Accra – The President of the People’s National Assembly, Mr. Ibrahim Bougali, reiterated Algeria’s unwavering commitment to African integration during his participation in the “Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2025” held in Accra, Ghana, on Saturday, February 1, 2025. Representing President Abdelmadjid Teboun, Mr. Bougali emphasized Algeria’s leading role in fostering continental unity and achieving the aspirations of African peoples.
Algeria’s Commitment to African Integration
In his opening speech at the event, organized under the theme “Achieving the African Single Market through Infrastructure: Investment, Connectivity, and Integration,” Mr. Bougali stated that “Algeria will remain at the forefront of supporting African integration and collective action to realize the aspirations of the continent’s peoples.” He called for “intensifying joint efforts to achieve the African Single Market, with a focus on investing in infrastructure, technology, and education.”
Mr. Bougali highlighted that “Algeria, under the leadership of President Teboun, places the highest importance on African-African cooperation, considering the African continent as Algeria’s strategic depth and a guarantee of its security and stability.”
Strategic Initiatives and Projects
He pointed out that Algeria’s commitment to African integration has been demonstrated through numerous strategic initiatives and projects. These include the ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement on April 5, 2021, and the launch of major projects such as the Trans-Saharan Highway, which connects North Africa to the south, and energy interconnection projects aimed at ensuring energy security for African nations.
Mr. Bougali also emphasized Algeria’s efforts to enhance transport and logistics infrastructure, including the opening of desert roads linking Algeria to Mali, Niger, and Mauritania, as well as the launch of a maritime cargo route connecting Algeria to Nouakchott. Additionally, new air routes have been established with several African countries, facilitating trade and economic integration across the continent.
Advancing Technology and Innovation
In the field of technology and innovation, Mr. Bougali highlighted the “Trans-Saharan Optical Fiber Link” project, which aims to connect Algeria with Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Mali, and Mauritania. This initiative seeks to “create technological dynamism and bridge the digital divide in Africa.” He noted that Algeria has already completed 2,600 kilometers of optical fiber and launched a maritime cable linking Algeria to Spain to enhance international bandwidth capacity.
Strengthening African Cooperation
Mr. Bougali underscored Algeria’s establishment of effective mechanisms, such as the International Cooperation Agency for Solidarity and Development, which provides technical and financial support for development projects in health, education, and infrastructure. He also highlighted Algeria’s efforts to promote economic diplomacy by encouraging joint investments and opening bank branches in several African countries.
Support for Peace and Stability
Reiterating Algeria’s commitment to peace and stability as essential conditions for sustainable development, Mr. Bougali called for resolving conflicts within the African framework, free from external interference. He reaffirmed Algeria’s support for the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination and urged the complete liberation of the African continent from colonialism.
Mr. Bougali concluded his speech by conveying President Teboun’s greetings to the President of Ghana and the attendees, expressing Algeria’s appreciation for Ghana’s efforts in hosting this significant event. He described the Africa Prosperity Dialogues as a “strategic platform to enhance African economic integration and achieve the aspirations of the continent’s peoples for a brighter and more sustainable future.”
By Nor Eleslam, Journalist at Dzwatch.dz
