BY: Dr. Hana Saada
In a high-level virtual meeting, Algerian officials urge expatriate entrepreneurs to seize the country’s promising investment climate, highlighting robust incentives, start-up support systems, and the strategic role of the diaspora in national development.
Algiers, Algeria | April 19th, 2025 — In a forward-looking initiative, the Consulate General of Algeria in Lyon (France) convened a high-level meeting focused on the state and prospects of investment in Algeria, as part of a broader diplomatic push to mobilize the Algerian diaspora toward active participation in the country’s economic transformation.
The event, held virtually on Friday, was organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Community Abroad, and African Affairs. It drew the participation of prominent Algerian officials, including Sofiane Chaib, Secretary of State for the National Community Abroad, and Noureddine Ouadah, Minister of the Knowledge Economy, Start-ups, and Micro-Enterprises—both of whom addressed the forum via videoconference.
The gathering brought together a wide array of economic actors from the Lyon consular district—entrepreneurs, project leaders, and business operators from Algeria’s vibrant expatriate community. Also in attendance was a representative of the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency (AAPI), providing critical insights into Algeria’s evolving investment ecosystem.
In his address, Secretary of State Chaib highlighted the firm political will of Algeria’s highest authorities to create a fertile environment for investment. He called on members of the diaspora—particularly those with business ventures, entrepreneurial ambitions, or technical expertise—to seize the vast investment opportunities currently available in Algeria’s emerging sectors.
He emphasized that the Algerian government has established a comprehensive support infrastructure to facilitate diaspora-led investment, citing national institutions such as the Algerian Start-up Fund (ASF), the public start-up accelerator Algeria Venture (AV), and the National Agency for the Auto-Entrepreneur (ANAE). These bodies provide tailored support ranging from financing and mentorship to administrative facilitation.
Minister Ouadah, in turn, reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Algerian diaspora in advancing the country’s start-up and entrepreneurial ecosystems. He urged participants to leverage Algeria’s dynamic economic climate and make full use of the incentives and mechanisms available.
“Members of our national community abroad can benefit from all the financial and fiscal incentives provided by the State,” Ouadah declared, stressing that the diaspora’s technical acumen and global exposure place it in a unique position to drive forward innovative projects and generate high-impact investment in Algeria.
He further pointed to successful start-up projects that have already benefited from strong diaspora involvement, stating that “the Algerian diaspora has proven to be a key partner in several innovation-led ventures, reflecting the wealth of expertise it holds.”
The event concluded with an acknowledgment of the tireless efforts made by the Secretariat of State to strengthen ties between the diaspora and the homeland. Participants commended its role in acting as a bridge-builder, working in tandem with sectoral ministries and national institutions to ensure optimal conditions for expatriates to engage meaningfully in Algeria’s economic renewal.
By reinforcing channels of coordination and promoting inclusive national participation, the Algerian state reaffirms its belief that the diaspora is not just a community abroad—but a strategic asset, vital to the nation’s growth, innovation, and global positioning.
