Beyond political bonds and untapped potential linking the two nations, Algeria and Chad aim to elevate their economic ties to match mutual ambitions. The business forum held this Tuesday in Algiers marks a launchpad—especially for trade volumes that have remained “underwhelming,” hovering below $2 million.
That was the assessment from Foreign Trade and Export Promotion Minister Kamel Rezig at the forum’s kickoff, which drew business leaders from both countries. He opened by stressing the “highly strategic” context, fueled by the clear political will of both nations’ leaders to expand relations and solidify a partnership benefiting their brotherly peoples.
Rezig highlighted the historical and geographic depth of Algeria-Chad links, plus their shared commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which targets eliminating 97% of tariffs among members. Yet bilateral trade—deemed modest—falls short of possibilities. “Our commerce starkly reveals the gap between promising fraternal ties and actual flows,” Rezig observed, disclosing that despite gains, 2024 volumes hit just $1.85 million. “This figure pales against our combined strengths,” he added, noting Chad ranks 34th among Algeria’s African partners. “A position that belies the depth of our bonds,” he said, pointing to diverse products ripe for that market.
Chad’s Market: A Prime Opportunity
Rezig touted Algeria’s export surge beyond hydrocarbons—”tripled since 2017 and still climbing,” eyeing $10 billion—with Chad’s market as a key African outlet ready to absorb growth. He flagged underused export sectors poised to reshape trade: pharmaceuticals, fertilizers and chemicals, construction materials, ceramics and glass, agro-food and farm goods, electrical and electronic gear, plus energy and renewables collaboration.
Still, smoothing trade demands clearing hurdles. Drawing on “objective analysis,” Rezig listed barriers: no reliable land trade corridors stifling goods movement; missing flexible bank credit lines; weak export insurance curbing mid- to long-term deals; and poor coordination on trade fairs limiting operator ties. Algeria’s government vows redoubled efforts to turn promise into results, urging the forum to seal deals and forge alliances.
Algeria’s Expertise Aids Chad
Algerian Investment Promotion Agency (AAPI) head Omar Rekkache called the forum “a key step” in boosting economic links and converting political will into real projects. “Today’s talks aren’t just about spotting chances—they’re about building them,” he said, pushing beyond potential pitches to true partnerships.
Rekkache stressed Algeria’s readiness to share technical know-how and meet Chad’s market needs. “Leveraging these strengths, Algeria offers not just investment openings but competitive exports tailored for Chad—in energy, agriculture, agro-industry, pharma, equipment, and more,” he detailed, showcasing local expertise. He noted solid public and private firms with proven skills, primed for big infrastructure, power plants, and related services.
AAPI, he added, positions Algeria as more than a partner—a driver of integrated African growth via regional value chains—with Chad as a strategic ally and gateway to Central Africa.
Rekkache highlighted AAPI support for investors at every stage, plus ties with Chad’s investment agency. He tied this to Algeria’s post-2020 reforms under President Abdelmadjid Tebboune: “These build a robust, diverse, productive, resilient economy powered by investment.” Citing legislative and institutional overhauls, he positioned Algeria as a “reliable economic ally” with competitive edges.