Monday 24 February 2025 
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS– The Director General of the Local Development Bank (BDL), Youcef Lalmas, accompanied by a delegation of the bank’s executives, paid today, Monday, a working visit to the province of Relizane, with the aim of inspecting the projects funded by this institution.
The delegation also visited the commercial agency of the bank, where Mr. Lalmas provided instructions to commercial dealers relating to meeting the customers’ needs and listening to their concerns.
The Local Development Bank of Algeria is a state-owned financial institution that specializes in providing funding and financial support to local businesses and entrepreneurs in Algeria. BDL’s primary objective is to promote economic growth and social development in Algeria by providing financial assistance to businesses operating in the agricultural, industrial, and service sectors. The BDL’s main focus is on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and emerging businesses that are looking to expand their operations or invest in new ventures. The bank facilitates access to credit for these enterprises, which are vital to promoting economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.
Additionally, BDL operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Finance and is subject to the regulations of the Central Bank of Algeria.
The BDL works closely with local businesses and entrepreneurs to identify their financing needs and provide them with customized financial solutions that meet their specific requirements. The bank offers a range of financial products and services, including loans, guarantees, and investment funds, to support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes. In addition, the BDL provides training and technical assistance to businesses, helping them to develop their management skills, business plans, and marketing strategies. The bank also works to promote public-private partnerships and encourage collaboration between businesses and government agencies. It has also introduced Islamic products.
In July 2018, the BDL launched the Mastercard service, enabling its customers to make purchases via the internet and withdraw foreign currency abroad. It has more than 180 branches across the country.
Through its innovative financial products and services, training and technical assistance, and promotion of public-private partnerships, the BDL is helping to drive economic growth and social development in Algeria, creating new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs across the country.
Besides, the bank’s contributions to the development of the agriculture sector have enhanced food security and increased agricultural productivity. Furthermore, BDL has financed several projects that have contributed to the development of the tourism industry, resulting in an increase in the number of tourists visiting Algeria. Lastly, BDL has provided funding for the development of the housing sector, thereby contributing to the alleviation of the housing shortage in the country.
As statistics show, the BDL authorized 349 billion DA of credits against 268 billion DA in 2020 (+30%). By branch of activity, the industrial sector—in particular agri-food—comes first with 57% of loans, followed by construction with 21% and trade (13%), as well as services, tourism, and agriculture.
By type of company, the BDL mainly supports private companies with 85% of financing, including a majority of SMEs, according to Mr. Lalmas.
Concerning the financing of individuals, the mortgage is the “flagship” product of the BDL, with nearly 2,000 files for an amount of 4.5 billion DA during that year.
In conclusion, the Local Development Bank of Algeria plays a crucial role in supporting the economic development of Algeria, promoting sustainable development, and addressing socio-economic challenges in the country.