President Tebboune Authorizes Barter Trade with Niger, Mali, and Mauritania: A New Zone of Exchange Opens at Southern Borders
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In a significant move towards enhancing economic ties and regional integration, the President of Algeria has given the green light for the definition of a list of products eligible for export and barter trade with Niger, Mali, and Mauritania. The ambitious plan signals the country’s commitment to fostering regional economic cooperation and potentially expanding to the continental level.
During the inauguration of the national production fair, the President highlighted that products covering national needs could be authorized for export or barter trade. Emphasizing the need for accurate data on such products to prevent imbalances, the President outlined a strategic approach where products with surplus production, especially those reliant on imported raw materials, would be considered for export under official authorization.
The finalized list of eligible products is expected to be available next year, marking the beginning of barter trade activities with Mali and Mauritania. Algerian operators will be granted permission to engage in both export and barter trade with these neighboring countries, setting the stage for increased economic collaboration.
Beyond the economic aspects, the implementation of this initiative is anticipated to have positive social implications for populations in border areas. The creation of local economies based on exchange activities, particularly through barter trade, aims to provide stability to inhabitants and mitigate irregular migration flows. Additionally, it seeks to address issues related to smuggling, which has adverse effects on the economies of the region.
The broader impact of opening trade routes includes the potential elimination of factors contributing to radicalization, primarily poverty and insecurity. This initial step is expected to have economic, social, and security-related benefits for a region that has been disproportionately affected by destabilizing phenomena.
The list of products eligible for export hints at a diverse range, including agricultural products, dates, olives, olive oil, honey, textiles, fabrics, handicrafts, cosmetics, exotic fruits, spices, livestock (cattle and sheep), tapestries, leather goods, and more. The expansion of trade activities is aligned with Algeria’s efforts to stimulate its border economy, exemplified by the establishment of a barter point in Aïn Guezzam for trade with Niger and the inauguration of the Tindouf-Zouérate road in Mauritanian territory.
As Algeria continues to pursue economic development in its border regions, the completion and opening of the trans-Saharan highway (from Algiers to Lagos, Nigeria, passing through Niger) and the planned southern railway line are expected to further boost trade along these axes. The city of Tamanrasset is poised to become a key hub for Algerian products destined for the African market.
The recent announcement by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to create a common currency signals a major shift in the regional landscape. The move away from the CFA franc, historically tied to French military and financial presence in the Sahel, signifies a transition towards independent and localized monetary systems. This evolving economic and geopolitical scenario aligns with Algeria’s efforts to strengthen economic ties and explore new avenues for collaboration within Africa.
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