Algiers, January 8, 2026 – Algeria has initiated several projects nationwide aimed at producing raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry, according to the Minister of Pharmaceutical Industry, Wassim Kouideri. These initiatives are expected to significantly reduce the country’s reliance on imported raw materials by up to 60% in the near future.
Minister Kouideri made the announcement during a session at the Council of the Nation, addressing oral questions. The session was presided over by the Council’s President, Azzouz Nasseri, and attended by the Minister of Relations with Parliament, Nadjiba Djilali.
Kouideri stated that the Saidal Group has commenced implementation of several important projects, both ongoing and planned, which will contribute to decreasing the nation’s imports of pharmaceutical raw materials, currently valued at approximately $3 billion. He emphasized the significant advancements Algeria has made in the pharmaceutical industry, with local production now covering around 82% of the market’s needs.
The Minister highlighted that Algeria is among the few countries pursuing strategic investments of this nature to ensure a local supply of raw materials for drug manufacturing, having acquired the necessary production technologies. According to Kouideri, achieving health sovereignty requires domestic production of raw materials. The sector, through the Saidal Group, is actively working towards this goal by launching strategic projects to manufacture raw materials primarily for producing medications for cancer, antibiotics, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, anti-inflammatories, hormones, paracetamol, and more. Furthermore, private laboratories with significant manufacturing capabilities are also participating in these projects.
Regarding the sector’s strategy for organizing the pharmaceutical and medical supply industry and preventing shortages, the Minister affirmed that providing high-quality materials is a priority. This is being achieved through regulating the drug market, limiting uncontrolled imports, and encouraging investors to focus on manufacturing medical supplies.
Addressing the availability of medications in the local market, the Minister stated that out of approximately 6,500 drugs available, only 16 are currently experiencing shortages due to international supply issues. However, alternatives are available to compensate for these unavailable drugs, and there has been a significant improvement in the availability of medications at the Central Pharmacy of Hospitals.
In response to a question about products for detecting allergies, asthma, and chronic rhinitis, Kouideri clarified that the sector continues to promote a policy of encouraging local production.
