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Algeria Gate: Algeria has secured approval for a major $99.5 million environmental and rural development project aimed at combating desertification, restoring degraded land and improving livelihoods across six provinces, with more than one million people expected to benefit.

The initiative, approved by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), represents the first project of its kind to receive funding from the international climate financing institution in Algeria.

The decision was announced following a meeting of the GCF Board in Songdo, South Korea. The seven-year programme will be implemented with support from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), marking a significant investment in Algeria’s efforts to address climate change and strengthen rural development.

$99.5 million investment to transform rural communities

The project brings together international climate financing and national resources to support environmental restoration and economic development.

Of the total $99.5 million budget, $43 million will come from the Green Climate Fund as a grant, while the Algerian government will contribute an additional $56.5 million.

The programme will cover approximately 454,138 hectares across six Algerian provinces, targeting regions particularly vulnerable to desertification, land degradation and climate-related pressures.

According to information published by the United Nations and reported by Algeria Gate, more than one million people are expected to benefit from the initiative, including over 142,000 farmers and livestock breeders.

Women account for more than one-third of the agricultural beneficiaries, reflecting the programme’s emphasis on inclusive rural development.

The targeted areas are also home to more than half of Algeria’s nomadic population, making the initiative particularly important for communities whose livelihoods depend on livestock, grazing land and natural resources.

Restoring more than 59,000 hectares of degraded land

Environmental restoration is at the heart of the programme.

The project aims to rehabilitate more than 59,000 hectares of degraded forests, rangelands, sand dunes and agricultural land.

These interventions are designed to address the effects of soil erosion, declining vegetation cover and expanding desertification, which threaten agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods in Algeria’s arid and semi-arid regions.

Restoration activities are expected to improve land management, protect biodiversity and strengthen ecosystems against the increasingly severe effects of climate change.

By rehabilitating natural landscapes and supporting sustainable agricultural practices, the initiative also seeks to improve the long-term productivity of rural areas.

Solar energy and innovative farming solutions

Beyond environmental restoration, the programme includes significant investments in renewable energy and agricultural innovation.

A total of 190 solar energy units will be installed to provide clean power for rural households and agricultural activities.

These installations will support essential services such as refrigeration, agricultural processing and other productive activities, helping rural communities reduce their reliance on conventional energy sources.

The project also includes the installation of 240 hydroponic farming units dedicated to animal feed production.

These systems are expected to provide year-round feed for more than 25,000 livestock animals, offering a practical response to shortages caused by drought and deteriorating grazing conditions.

Hydroponic fodder production could help livestock breeders maintain more stable agricultural activities while reducing pressure on vulnerable natural rangelands.

New economic opportunities for rural entrepreneurs

The programme also seeks to strengthen rural economies by improving access to financing and supporting small-scale businesses.

Special attention will be given to microenterprises operating in agriculture, livestock production and the processing of natural resources.

At least half of the supported projects are expected to be led by women, creating opportunities for greater participation in local economic development.

The initiative will also promote value chains associated with traditional Algerian agricultural products, including prickly pears, olives, rosemary, wool, esparto grass and mint.

By improving production, processing and market access, the programme aims to help rural communities generate additional income and create more sustainable economic activities.

These measures are intended to complement environmental restoration by ensuring that local populations can benefit economically from improved natural resource management.

A new boost for Algeria’s Green Dam project

The newly approved investment is closely linked to the revival of Algeria’s historic Green Dam initiative, known as the Barrage Vert.

Launched in 1971, the Green Dam was designed to combat desertification and protect vulnerable landscapes from the northward expansion of the Sahara.

The project remains one of Algeria’s most ambitious long-term environmental initiatives, covering vast areas of the country’s steppe and semi-arid regions.

The latest financing is expected to support renewed restoration efforts while integrating modern approaches to biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation and rural economic development.

Algeria’s Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries, Sid Ali Khaldi, described the initiative as an important contribution to revitalizing the Green Dam through an approach combining environmental protection with stronger economic resilience for local communities.

The project reflects a broader effort to connect ecosystem restoration with sustainable development rather than treating desertification solely as an environmental challenge.

Algeria strengthens its climate investment ambitions

The approval of the $99.5 million programme marks an important development in Algeria’s efforts to attract international climate financing and expand investment in sustainable development.

By combining environmental restoration, renewable energy, agricultural innovation and support for rural entrepreneurs, the project addresses several interconnected challenges affecting vulnerable communities.

Its expected impact extends beyond combating desertification, with potential benefits for food security, employment, agricultural productivity and the economic resilience of rural households.

The seven-year programme will ultimately be measured by its ability to restore degraded landscapes, deliver practical improvements to local communities and establish sustainable economic activities.

With more than one million people expected to benefit, the initiative represents a substantial commitment to protecting Algeria’s natural resources while supporting the long-term development of its rural regions.

Algeria Gate: Algeria’s Central Army Museum has launched a special commemorative program marking the 72nd anniversary of the outbreak of the Algerian Revolution on November 1, 1954, one of the most significant events in the country’s modern history.

The commemorations began on Thursday, October 29, and will continue until November 1, under the theme “November: The memory of a nation and the future of a people.”

According to Algeria Gate, the initiative aims to honor the sacrifices of Algeria’s freedom fighters and martyrs while preserving the historical memory of the country’s struggle for independence from French colonial rule.

Honoring the legacy of November 1, 1954

The anniversary commemorates the beginning of the Algerian War of Independence, which started on November 1, 1954, when the National Liberation Front (FLN) launched a coordinated uprising against French colonial rule.

The revolution marked a turning point in Algeria’s struggle for national sovereignty, bringing together generations of Algerians in a movement that ultimately led to the country’s independence on July 5, 1962.

Over the course of nearly eight years, the conflict profoundly transformed Algeria’s political and social landscape and became an important chapter in the wider history of decolonization.

Today, November 1 remains a powerful national symbol, representing the determination of Algerians to reclaim their freedom, dignity and sovereignty.

Through its commemorative program, the Central Army Museum seeks to reinforce the significance of this historical milestone and pay tribute to those who participated in the liberation struggle.

Preserving Algeria’s revolutionary memory for future generations

A central objective of the museum’s commemorations is to strengthen historical awareness among younger generations.

The initiative places particular emphasis on introducing young Algerians to the major stages of the liberation struggle, the contributions of revolutionary leaders and the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and civilians.

As an institution dedicated to preserving Algeria’s military and revolutionary heritage, the Central Army Museum plays an important role in safeguarding historical records, artifacts and accounts associated with the country’s struggle for independence.

The anniversary provides an opportunity to encourage younger generations to explore the historical events that shaped modern Algeria and better understand the foundations of its national identity.

Preserving this heritage is also considered essential to maintaining the connection between Algeria’s revolutionary past and its future development.

Algiers prepares cultural and historical celebrations

The museum’s commemorations form part of a broader national program celebrating the 72nd anniversary of the November Revolution.

The Wilaya of Algiers has announced a series of cultural, artistic, historical, sporting and recreational activities across several locations in the capital.

These events will take place in cultural venues, public squares and parks, providing opportunities for residents and visitors to participate in the anniversary celebrations.

The activities are intended to highlight Algeria’s revolutionary history while encouraging public participation in events that celebrate national heritage and collective memory.

By bringing commemorations into public spaces, local authorities aim to make the anniversary accessible to a wider audience, particularly young people and families.

A revolution that shaped Algeria’s national identity

The November 1 Revolution occupies a central place in Algeria’s national consciousness.

The outbreak of the armed struggle in 1954 marked the beginning of a decisive phase in the country’s fight against French colonial rule, which had begun in 1830.

The conflict ended with the Evian Accords in March 1962, followed by a referendum on self-determination and the proclamation of Algerian independence in July of the same year.

Beyond its military and political dimensions, the revolution became a defining element of Algeria’s national identity, influencing its institutions, historical narrative and international relations.

Its legacy continues to be reflected in national commemorations, educational initiatives, museums and monuments dedicated to those who participated in the struggle.

Keeping the spirit of November alive

As Algeria approaches the 72nd anniversary of the revolution, the Central Army Museum’s commemorative program highlights the continuing importance of preserving national history.

Under the theme “November: The memory of a nation and the future of a people,” the celebrations connect the sacrifices of previous generations with the responsibility of preserving their legacy for those who follow.

The events scheduled through November 1 offer an opportunity to revisit the country’s path toward independence, honor its historical figures and encourage greater engagement with Algeria’s revolutionary heritage.

More than seven decades after the beginning of the liberation struggle, November 1 remains a defining date in Algeria’s history and an enduring symbol of its independence and sovereignty.

Algeria Gate: Algeria is taking a major step toward modernizing its banking sector after the Société d’Automatisation des Transactions Interbancaires et de Monétique (SATIM) secured official certification from international payment giants Visa and Mastercard, paving the way for locally issued international bank cards in as little as 48 hours.

The development is expected to significantly reduce waiting times for Algerian customers, who currently face delays of two to three weeks when applying for international payment cards.

The certification was announced on October 27 by Toufik Chikaoui, SATIM’s project director for international networks, during an interview with Algeria’s national Radio Channel 3.

Algeria brings international card production home

Until now, Algerian banks have relied on foreign service providers, particularly in Tunisia, to personalize international payment cards and process associated banking information.

With its newly certified personalization center, SATIM can now perform these operations domestically, reducing dependence on external providers while strengthening national control over sensitive financial data.

The initiative represents an important development for Algeria’s financial infrastructure, allowing banks to streamline card issuance procedures and improve data management.

According to Chikaoui, keeping these operations within Algeria is also a matter of national sovereignty, particularly as digital payments become increasingly important to the country’s economy.

Visa and Mastercard cards could be ready in 48 hours

One of the most significant benefits of the new certification is the potential reduction in card issuance times.

At Crédit Populaire d’Algérie (CPA), customers currently wait approximately two weeks to receive an international payment card, compared with three weeks previously. The bank expects to reduce this period to just 48 hours once SATIM’s new system becomes operational.

Meanwhile, Banque Extérieure d’Algérie (BEA) can already prepare cards within five days through its own personalization facilities. However, customers may still wait an additional 10 to 15 days for their confidential PIN codes, which are currently processed abroad.

The 48-hour issuance target is not yet available to customers. SATIM remains in the pilot-testing phase, and no official date has been announced for the full commercial rollout.

Algerian banks prepare for nationwide rollout

Several major Algerian public banks are participating in the modernization initiative.

CPA has completed the certification process for Visa cards, while Banque de Développement Local (BDL) has successfully finalized the corresponding process for Mastercard.

Other public financial institutions, including BEA, Banque Nationale d’Algérie (BNA), and Banque de l’Agriculture et du Développement Rural (BADR), are preparing to launch their own pilot programs.

According to SATIM, initial tests have delivered positive results, with locally personalized cards successfully used for ATM withdrawals, contactless transactions and online payments.

These results mark an important technical milestone ahead of a broader deployment across Algeria’s banking network.

Growing demand driven by Algeria’s €750 travel allowance

The initiative comes amid a sharp increase in demand for international payment cards following changes to Algeria’s foreign currency travel allowance.

Under the rules introduced in July 2026, eligible adult travelers can receive an annual travel allowance of €750, while eligible minors aged 12 to 18 can receive €300.

The allowance is provided through international bank cards linked to foreign currency accounts rather than being distributed in cash before departure.

This transition has increased demand for Visa and Mastercard products, placing additional pressure on banks to issue cards quickly and maintain sufficient stocks.

The scale of demand has been particularly visible at CPA, which exhausted an initial stock of 35,000 cards in approximately three weeks during the summer.

To address potential shortages, Algerian public banks have coordinated card procurement through SATIM, with orders totaling approximately one million cards from a local supplier.

The centralized purchasing strategy is expected to improve availability, reduce procurement costs and help banks respond more effectively to customer demand.

International payments and tourism set to benefit

Beyond faster issuance for Algerian customers, SATIM’s certification could also improve the use of foreign bank cards within Algeria.

The modernization project includes measures to facilitate payments by international visitors at local businesses and enable cash withdrawals in Algerian dinars through compatible ATMs.

These improvements could support Algeria’s tourism industry by making everyday financial transactions more convenient for foreign travelers.

They could also encourage broader adoption of electronic payments among merchants, contributing to the gradual development of a more connected financial ecosystem.

However, the expansion of international card acceptance will depend on the availability of compatible payment terminals, banking infrastructure and the successful deployment of the new services.

A significant milestone for Algeria’s digital banking transformation

SATIM’s certification represents the culmination of a project that has been under development for several years.

Plans to obtain international certification were discussed as early as 2017, making the latest approval an important milestone in Algeria’s efforts to modernize its payment infrastructure.

By combining domestic card personalization, improved data security and shorter processing times, the initiative could strengthen the efficiency of Algeria’s banking system while reducing reliance on foreign service providers.

For Algerian consumers, the most immediate anticipated benefit is straightforward: obtaining an international Visa or Mastercard in approximately two days instead of waiting several weeks.

Although the nationwide launch date remains unconfirmed, the successful certification and initial testing suggest that Algeria is moving closer to a faster and more accessible international payment card system.