The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved financing of $878 million for the second phase of the
Laghouat-Ghardaia-El Meniaa railway line, a project presented as strategic for Algeria’s internal connectivity and regional integration.
This operation concerns the second tranche of a 495-kilometer railway corridor, with the construction of the Ghardaia-El Meniaa section, 230 kilometres long, as well as related developments and institutional support actions.
The project is implemented by the Algerian Ministry of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, through the National Agency for Studies and Monitoring of the Implementation of Railway Investments (Anesrif).
“With this financing, the ADB is supporting Algeria in the creation of a structuring railway infrastructure, bringing economic transformation, territorial connectivity and regional integration,” declared Mike Salawou, director of the Infrastructure and Urban Development department of the Bank.
The institution believes that this line will help bring production areas closer to markets, improve logistical competitiveness and create new economic opportunities along the corridor linking Algiers to El Meniaa.
The Bank emphasises the project aims as opening up the agricultural and mining areas, reducing transport costs and times and supporting the development of sectors such as agriculture, agro-industry, logistics services, construction and public works.
It also includes support measures in favour of local development, in particular training programs aimed at young people and women in the rail, logistics, tourism and craft professions, as well as initiatives aimed at stimulating economic activity in the territories concerned.
For the ADB, this operation is part of the 2025-2030 Country Strategy Paper adopted for Algeria, which emphasizes economic diversification, infrastructure development and strengthening regional integration.
This new financing comes after the approval, in December 2025, of the first financial assistance from the AfDB of €747 million for the first phase of the project.
According to official data, the total cost of this first tranche is estimated at $1.75 billion, illustrating the scale of investments made to develop the national rail network.
MK/AK/Sf/fss/as/APA