BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Nine ports mobilized nationwide as President Tebboune’s ambitious plan to import one million sheep kicks off to ensure food security and price stability for Eid El Adha.
Algiers, Algeria | April 20th, 2025 — In a decisive move to ensure livestock availability and market stability ahead of Eid El Adha, the first vessel transporting imported sheep docked at the Port of Algiers overnight from Saturday to Sunday, marking the official launch of a large-scale national livestock import operation.
Originating from Romania, the vessel offloaded approximately 15,000 sheep, as confirmed by Hamid Bensaad, Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries. This delivery represents the inaugural phase of an expansive initiative overseen at the highest levels of the state.
“This is the first arrival in a wide-reaching operation that will span the months of April and May across nine national ports,” Bensaad told the press, stressing that the government’s objective is to import one million heads of sheep in total, in line with the clear instructions of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
A second vessel, carrying an additional 12,000 sheep, is expected to arrive in Algiers later this afternoon, with subsequent shipments scheduled for the coming days.
To facilitate this unprecedented livestock import campaign, the Algerian government has designated nine major ports—including Oran, Jijel, Skikda, and Annaba—ensuring regional distribution and equal access to livestock for citizens across the country. Logistical and veterinary control systems have been set up at each port to verify the health of imported animals, under stringent sanitary measures designed to protect consumers and prevent any biological risks.
“All necessary logistical, veterinary, and technical arrangements have been put in place to ensure the operation’s success,” Bensaad emphasized. Dedicated control zones have been set up at entry points for rigorous health inspections to uphold consumer safety and livestock quality.
Following their arrival and inspection, the sheep will be distributed across Algeria’s wilayas during the third phase of the operation. This phase will be conducted under the direct supervision of local governors (walis) and specialized monitoring commissions, charged with overseeing transportation, pricing, and points of sale.
From a logistical standpoint, the Ministry of Transport has played a central role in coordinating the maritime arrivals. Djamel Eddine Abdelghani Dridi, Secretary General of the Ministry, announced that this initial shipment will be followed by three additional arrivals at Algiers Port, before extending to other coastal cities.
“The interministerial coordination between the Ministries of Agriculture, Transport, and the Interior has ensured a solid framework for this national priority,” Dridi stated, praising the efficiency of the intersectoral commission managing the process.
This comprehensive import strategy, under the direct guidance of the President of the Republic, aims to stabilize market prices, guarantee fair access for citizens, and ensure that no region is left behind during the holy Eid celebration. The government’s move is widely viewed as a proactive and socially conscious measure that reinforces Algeria’s food security and reflects a firm commitment to citizen welfare.
