Algiers – On Thursday, September 4, 2025, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune advocated for a unified and collective vision for a strong and effective Africa, emphasizing Algeria’s commitment to being an active participant in this ambitious future vision, according to a report by aps.dz.
During his address at the opening of the fourth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025 at the Abdelatif Rahal International Conference Center in Algiers, President Tebboune stated, “Africa is the future, and Algeria will be an active player in the endeavor to meet the challenge of development on the continent.”
He expressed Algeria’s pride in hosting the fourth edition of the fair, which he noted is taking place “in a globally delicate and sensitive context, with events unfolding at an unprecedented pace.”
The President stressed that the event is “not merely an economic gathering but an embodiment of a collective awareness driving us all toward building an integrated, strong-willed, and effective continent in its regional and international environment.”
Reflecting on continental achievements, he said, “We cannot deny that we have made significant progress over the past two decades, most notably the activation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the inclusion of the African Trade Union in the G20, and the establishment of partnerships with major global economic powers and organizations.” However, he acknowledged that “the road remains long to rectify historical injustices against Africa and secure its rightful place in the global economy.”
President Tebboune called for “unifying African countries’ efforts to enable the continent to contribute to global economic decision-making and overcome the marginalization it faces.” He cited the low shares held by African countries in international bodies, such as their 6.5% voting share in the International Monetary Fund—the lowest in the organization—and 11% in the World Bank. Similarly, Africa’s share of global trade is only 3%, a “meager figure” compared to the continent’s 30% of global natural resources and a population exceeding 1.5 billion, representing a vast and growing consumer market.
He also noted that Africa’s share of global investment flows is a mere $94 billion annually, the lowest globally, representing just 6% of total flows.
The President highlighted the “deep infrastructure gap in transport, energy, communications, and finance” facing the continent, stressing that these challenges “should not dampen our resolve but rather serve as an additional incentive to harness our collective energies to transform our continental reality into a developmental success.”
In this regard, he outlined Algeria’s efforts to address these shortcomings and contribute to meeting the challenge for current and future generations through major structural projects benefiting the continent. These include the Trans-Saharan Highway, the Algeria-Nigeria gas pipeline to supply energy to several countries, a fiber optic project to enhance digital sovereignty, and railway lines extending to Mali via Adrar and to Niger via Tamanrasset. Additionally, Algeria is launching air and maritime routes connecting African capitals and opening branches of Algerian banks in various African countries, among other initiatives.
President Tebboune also emphasized Algeria’s solidarity with other African nations, noting that “since its independence, Algeria has trained no fewer than 65,000 African professionals, reflecting its belief in the importance of the struggle for Africa’s development.” He added that Algeria recently canceled debts worth $1.5 billion for 14 African countries, underscoring its African-oriented approach.
Expressing confidence in Africa’s future, he stated that it “lies in the collective ability of its nations to establish integrated infrastructure and create an investment-friendly environment for all.” Achieving this, he said, requires “redoubling efforts, mobilizing energies, and unifying our path to transform the AfCFTA into an effective tool for development.”
He highlighted Algeria’s potential to contribute to continental growth, noting that within five to six years, Algerian ports could handle goods from landlocked African countries.
Addressing African leaders and officials at the event, President Tebboune urged them to make the fourth edition of the IATF “a new starting point and a renewed commitment, joining hands to move steadily toward a strong, united, and prosperous Africa.”
