The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and Islamic Development Bank assessed the corridor during a joint mission conducted from September 21 to October 1.
The nine-member team travelled along 1 086 kilometres of the El Meniaa-In Salah-Tamanrasset sections.
AfDB Country Manager for Algeria Abdoulkader Dileita and Islamic Development Bank Regional Hub for North Africa Director Ahmed Ag Aboubacrine led the mission.
Consultations involved the Ministry of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, the National Agency for Studies and Monitoring of Railway Investment Implementation and other national stakeholders.
Discussions focused on transforming the railway from transport infrastructure into an economic corridor connecting production areas with ports and markets. “The challenge is to make the Algiers-Tamanrasset corridor much more than transport infrastructure,” Dileita said.
“It must become an economic corridor that brings territories, production areas and markets closer together, while strengthening Algeria’s integration with Niger and the rest of West Africa.”
Improved rail connections could lower the cost of transporting agricultural products, minerals and manufactured goods while strengthening the competitiveness of Algerian businesses.
The corridor could also support agricultural, mining, industrial and logistics development across the Algerian Sahara, which covers more than 2 million square kilometres.
At regional level, the project is expected to connect with existing and planned African transport networks, improve trade with the Sahel and support regional value chains.
The railway also aligns with African Continental Free Trade Area objectives to expand intra-African commerce.
Development along the route could create businesses and employment for young people, including start-ups providing transport and logistics services.
The AfDB and Islamic Development Bank also assessed the project’s environmental sustainability and resilience.
The mission travelled more than 2 000 kilometres across 10 provinces to evaluate economic and territorial conditions along the route.
Algeria currently operates Africa’s second-largest railway network, spanning about 6 000 kilometres.
The government aims to expand the network to 15 000 kilometres by 2030 as part of efforts to modernise infrastructure, strengthen economic diversification and improve regional connectivity.
“The Bank is ready to continue this work with the Algerian authorities and regional and international institutions to translate this ambition into concrete results,” Dileita said.
–AfDB/ChannelAfrica–
