Algiers, January 15, 2026 – Algeria is moving to broaden its list of countries from which it imports livestock for the upcoming Eid al-Adha festival. This initiative follows directives from the President of the Republic to import one million heads of sheep in preparation for the religious holiday.
The Minister of Agriculture, Yassine Walid, convened a coordination meeting on Thursday to discuss the implementation of this significant undertaking. A statement released by the Ministry of Agriculture emphasized the importance of leveraging the experiences gained from the 2025 Eid al-Adha livestock import operation to enhance efficiency and address previous shortcomings.
Key decisions resulting from the meeting include expanding the range of countries from which livestock will be sourced. New health agreements will be established with these nations to ensure the quality and safety of the imported animals. Furthermore, the government plans to charter specialized vessels designed for the safe and humane transport of livestock.
According to the Ministry’s statement, technical teams will be dispatched immediately to potential exporting countries to verify the health guarantees provided. The number of quarantine facilities will also be doubled compared to the previous year to further mitigate any health risks.
The private sector will be actively involved in transporting the livestock from the ports to various regions across the country. New mechanisms are being developed to ensure a well-organized and transparent sales process for the imported animals.
To oversee the entire operation, a national committee comprising the general secretaries of relevant sectors has been established. This committee will be responsible for ensuring the smooth and effective execution of the livestock import program, from sourcing to distribution.
DZWatch will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
