Algiers, January 27, 2026 – Algeria and Saudi Arabia are exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation in the field of seawater desalination, according to recent discussions held in Algiers.
The Algerian Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, received the CEO of Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power, Turki bin Saeed Al Amry, at the ministry headquarters on Tuesday. The meeting focused on potential investment opportunities within Algeria’s national seawater desalination program and associated infrastructure.
According to a ministry statement, discussions centered on how companies with expertise in the field can contribute to strategic projects launched by Algeria to bolster its water security. This collaboration is underpinned by the strong friendship and fraternal ties between Algeria and Saudi Arabia.
Minister Arkab provided an overview of Algeria’s national seawater desalination program, initiated under the directives of the President of the Republic. This ambitious program aims to establish new desalination plants to meet approximately 62% of the country’s drinking water needs, excluding groundwater resources.
The program prioritizes water security and aims to supply densely populated areas and the high plateaus, mandating the distribution of desalinated water over a distance of at least 250 kilometers from the coast.
The existing experience of WETICO, a subsidiary of ACWA Power, was highlighted. WETICO has previously participated in the construction of several desalination plants in Algeria, including those in Bejaia, El Tarf, and Cap Djinet, demonstrating the current level of cooperation and accumulated expertise in this vital sector.
Mr. Al Amry expressed ACWA Power’s interest in expanding its industrial presence in Algeria. He conveyed the company’s desire to localize the manufacturing of equipment and components used in seawater desalination, particularly the production of desalination plant membranes, along with other related components and equipment.
He further noted that ACWA Power’s activities also encompass equipment for the oil and gas industry and infrastructure projects, expressing the company’s willingness to explore opportunities for technology transfer and the development of local industrial partnerships. This aligns with Algeria’s objectives of increasing national integration rates and strengthening the industrial fabric in these strategic areas.
