Tebboune Government’s Phosphate Initiative Gains Italian Praise

Italy's Ambassador to Algeria, Alessandra Schiavo, has described Algeria's integrated phosphate project as "very ambitious and visionary." Speaking to the Italian news agency Nova following the contract signing ceremony on Wednesday, August 12, Ambassador Schiavo highlighted that the initiative reflects the "planning capacity" and "clairvoyance" of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and the Algerian government. This significant project, which involves strategic contracts awarded to China's CHEC and Italy's Saipem, aims to establish Algeria as a major participant in the global fertilizer market.

The Italian diplomat noted that the project aligns with Italy's "Mattei plan," designed to foster cooperation with African nations, particularly those in the Southern Mediterranean. Beyond its industrial scope, the Tébessa integrated phosphate project is seen as a crucial component of Algeria's broader strategy to enhance agricultural output and reduce national vulnerability to international crises. Ambassador Schiavo underscored the "technological and organizational challenge" of the project due to the "particularly tight" deadlines imposed on Saipem through the EPC Fast Track contract with Sonatrach, aiming for enriched phosphate production by the first quarter of 2027 and fertilizer production by the fourth quarter of the same year, as set by President Tebboune.

Ambassador Schiavo further emphasized that "a nation's food sovereignty is also its sovereignty," linking the project to mitigating risks from import dependency, price volatility, supply chain disruptions, and global shocks. This development also signifies an expansion of economic collaboration between Algeria and Italy. Previously centered on gas and energy security, the partnership is now growing into diverse sectors including mining, agriculture, and automotive, indicating a strengthened and diversified bilateral relationship.