Algeria is set to host the inaugural African manufacturing facility for the global footwear brand Skechers, with an ambitious target of producing two million pairs of shoes annually to satisfy domestic market demands. Moving forward, the American corporation intends to pivot toward exporting from Algeria, shipping a portion of its output to broader African markets. This venture aligns directly with the national strategy aimed at replacing imports with domestic manufacturing, according to the Minister of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion.
A joint venture treaty was finalized Saturday between the Algerian firm Tradifoot and the international brand Skechers to kickstart footwear manufacturing in Algeria beginning in 2027, establishing the nation as the first African country to secure such an industrial hub. The contract was signed by Douglas Parker, representing the American enterprise, and Djamel Ramoul, Chief Executive Officer of Tradifoot.
The Minister of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion, Kamel Rezig, oversaw the signing ceremony of this partnership agreement. He hosted a delegation from the American company at his ministry’s headquarters, which included Douglas Parker, Vice President of Financial Affairs, and Daniel Levy, Vice President of International Sales, alongside executives from the Algerian company Tradifoot.
During the event, the minister emphasized the significance of this project, noting it fits squarely within the national policy to replace imports with local production by attracting productive foreign direct investment and fostering partnerships with premium global brands. He remarked that choosing Algeria for Skechers’ first African factory demonstrates growing investor trust in the Algerian business climate and mirrors the outcomes of economic reforms introduced by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to diversify the economy and champion local manufacturing.
According to specifications provided by the Ministry of Foreign Trade, operations at the factory are scheduled to commence during the first quarter of 2027. The facility will boast a manufacturing capacity of two million pairs of shoes per year with a 40% local integration rate, thereby assisting in import reduction, boosting national manufacturing, and covering local market requirements.
Initially, production will cater exclusively to the domestic market before expanding into exports to African nations during the second year of operations, thereby strengthening Algeria’s status as a regional industrial and export hub, the same source indicated.
The venture also encompasses training programs for the Algerian workforce led by specialists and instructors from Skechers, ensuring a transfer of technical expertise and technology in line with international footwear industry benchmarks.
Furthermore, the meeting provided an opportunity to review the finer points of implementing this industrial project, which will position Algeria as the primary manufacturing base for the US brand Skechers across the African continent.