AGP Executive Report

Green Dam Boost: Algeria’s desertification fight got a big regional nod as the Council of Arab Ministers for the Environment in Cairo approved a resolution praising the Green Dam and urging Arab-level rollout. Hydrogen Deal: Algeria wrapped up the second SoutH2 Corridor energy ministers meeting in Algiers with Austria, Germany, Italy and Tunisia signing a joint declaration to push green hydrogen and Euro-Mediterranean cooperation. Hydrocarbons Talks: Algeria’s Hydrocarbons minister met Germany’s energy ministry state secretary to deepen bilateral oil and gas partnership, including low-carbon tech and training. Diplomatic Security: Algeria strongly condemned an attack on a power distribution station in Medina, calling it a violation of international law and a provocation to Muslims worldwide. Aviation Update: Air Algérie will resume Algiers–Tripoli flights from Oct. 28, twice weekly, after nearly a decade. Sports—Algeria in Focus: South Africa U23 beat Algeria 3-1 in a friendly, while Marseille extended Algerian midfielder Yanis Sellami to 2029. Justice—Death Penalty: Algeria’s lawmakers extended the death penalty to forest arsonists and child kidnappings involving torture or assault. OPEC+ Watch: Reuters reports OPEC+ may keep November output targets unchanged, including Algeria among key producers.

Death Penalty Reform: Algeria’s lower house approved amendments to the Penal Code expanding capital punishment to intentional arson (forests and fields) and child kidnapping, with critics warning about irreversible judicial error after decades without executions. Energy & Industry: President Tebboune met energy ministers from SoutH2 Corridor partner countries (Austria, Germany, Italy, Tunisia) as Algeria pushes green hydrogen exports to Europe; a ministerial declaration signed in Algiers targets 4 million tons annually. Telecom Performance: Algiers topped Africa in Omdia’s Gigacity 2026 fixed broadband index, citing near-universal fibre coverage and high subscriber speeds. Human Rights Debate: Amnesty and other groups condemned the arson death-penalty move as “regressive,” arguing authorities should focus on prevention and emergency response. Regional Diplomacy: U.S. envoy Mike Waltz met a Polisario delegation, telling it the Sahara conflict can’t drag on another decade. Sports: Algeria’s Imane Khelif-linked boxing spotlight continued as Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting won Asian Games gold after a gender-eligibility row.

Penal Code Overhaul: Algeria’s lower house approved amendments expanding the death penalty to intentional forest/field arson and aggravated child kidnapping, with capital punishment also covering certain torture, sexual abuse, sabotage for foreign parties, and acts meant to undermine public security, national unity, or economic and environmental stability; the move follows deadly wildfires in the northeast and comes after a long execution moratorium since 1993. Human Rights Backlash: Amnesty and other groups warned the change is “retrograde,” arguing it risks irreversible judicial error and urges stronger prevention and emergency response instead. Green Hydrogen Push (SoutH2): Energy ministers from Algeria, Tunisia, Italy, Austria and Germany signed the Algiers Ministerial Declaration to advance the SoutH2 Corridor, targeting exports of about 4 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually to Europe and setting up technical support with UNIDO. Air Connectivity: Hamad International Airport said Air Algerie has resumed nonstop Doha–Algiers flights, with service set to grow to daily from Oct 25. Regional Cooperation: Algeria signed a health cooperation agreement with Mauritania covering prevention, hospital management, border health surveillance and expert exchanges. Sports (U23): South Africa’s U23 beat Algeria 3-1 in a friendly in Bloemfontein as substitutes turned the match around.

Energy & Trade: Algeria is pushing the SoutH2 Corridor forward with a new Oct. 1 meeting in Algiers involving Tunisia, Italy, Germany and Austria to finalize renewable hydrogen pipeline plans, including retrofitting existing gas infrastructure and targeting phased launches in the early 2030s. Diplomacy & Energy: Algeria and Austria also signed a memorandum to deepen cooperation on renewable energy and renewable hydrogen technologies. Oil Markets: OPEC+ is set to keep output targets steady for November as Gulf exports rebound after Iran-related disruptions, while Algeria’s energy ties remain central to OPEC messaging on long-term demand growth. Customs & Exports: Maersk Algeria requires exporters to include a detailed export customs declaration reference (DED) in shipping instructions starting Oct. 4, linked to Algeria Customs’ ALCES system. Regional Security: A hijacking attempt involving a flight bound for Tel Aviv was foiled, reviving older concerns tied to Algeria’s role in past diversions. Sports (Algeria in focus): Algeria held Burundi to a 2-2 draw in AFCON 2027 qualifiers after trailing, keeping them atop Group I. Parliament: Algeria’s Council of the Nation speaker Azouz Nasri received Indonesia’s ambassador in a courtesy visit highlighting renewed partnership ambitions.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Algeria drew 2-2 away to Burundi after trailing early, as the search for a new team leader continues following Riyad Mahrez and Aissa Mandi’s retirements. Air Connectivity: Air Algerie launched direct Doha–Algiers flights, boosting Algeria’s links with Qatar. Energy & Industry: Algeria will extend the bid-round deadline for its second onshore licensing round to Jan. 25, citing strong international interest. Green Hydrogen Push: Algiers hosts the 2nd Energy Ministers’ meeting under the SoutH2 Corridor project, targeting green hydrogen exports to Europe. Environment: Algeria submitted its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for 2025–2030 to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. Culture & Language: A symposium in Algiers focused on Arabic language and translation amid technological change and AI. Diplomacy: Algeria reaffirmed support for South Sudan ahead of December elections through AU C5 engagement.

OPEC+ Energy Talks: OPEC+ core producers, including Algeria, are expected to keep oil output targets steady for November at a Sunday meeting, as Gulf exports remain disrupted by the Iran war and most members still pump below quotas. AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Algeria avoided an early shock, rallying from two goals down to draw 2-2 away to Burundi, keeping momentum in Group I after a tough start. CAF Hosting Worries: CAF is reportedly weighing contingency options for AFCON 2027 amid concerns over East Africa’s readiness, with Algeria named among possible standby hosts. Air Algérie Travel Update: Air Algérie launched a new Doha–Tunis return-ticket offer plus discounts on several routes, following the resumption of Doha flights after a seven-month suspension. Youth Tragedy: Four young men from Yobe reportedly died in Algeria while seeking better livelihoods, prompting renewed calls for safer migration. Football Roundup: Tuesday’s qualifiers also brought major setbacks for other contenders, including Nigeria’s 0-3 loss to Guinea-Bissau and Ghana’s 2-4 defeat to Gambia.

OPEC Diplomacy: OPEC chief Haitham Al-Ghais praised Kuwait’s early role in building the OPEC+ alliance, while also highlighting Algeria’s central contribution to oil-market stability and the Algiers Accord. Biodiversity & UN Ties: Algeria submitted its National Strategy and Action Plan for Biodiversity 2025–2030 to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. Agriculture & Investment: Algeria and Italy are pushing deeper farm cooperation, anchored by the €420m Timimoun wheat and crops project, with irrigation, silos, logistics and job creation. Energy Regulation Watch: The European Commission signaled it may delay activation of EU methane rules for imports, including from Algeria, citing supply-security and price concerns. AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Algeria twice trailed Burundi but rallied to a 2–2 draw in Bujumbura, keeping them atop Group I; Zambia also bounced back with a 2–0 win over Togo. Media & Connectivity: APS and Djezzy launched “Daily Brief,” delivering curated news via SMS and digital channels for enterprise clients. Sports Broadcasting: CANAL+ and CAF secured SuperSport rights for AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers and the finals.

OPEC and Energy Diplomacy: OPEC Secretary-General Haitham Al-Ghais wrapped a visit to Algiers, praising the 10-year legacy of the Algiers Accord and stressing that oil-market stability depends on trust, cooperation, and dialogue—while meeting President Tebboune and energy ministers. UN Reform and Regional Stances: Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf told the UN General Assembly that Algeria backs a stronger, more representative UN General Assembly and calls for a far-reaching Security Council overhaul, warning against double standards in applying international law. Western Sahara: Attaf also reaffirmed Algeria’s support for the Sahrawi right to self-determination and urged good-faith negotiations within the UN decolonization framework. Culture and Heritage: Culture Minister Malika Bendouda launched auditions for the Algerian International Philharmonic Orchestra, aiming to spotlight Algeria’s artistic image and revive heritage through symphonic work and a youth academy. AFCON 2027 Focus: CAF is reportedly considering contingency hosting options for AFCON 2027 amid preparation delays in East Africa, with Algeria listed among possible alternatives. Sports—Qualifiers: Algeria’s AFCON qualifying momentum continues to shape matchday talk, including upcoming fixtures and reactions after recent results.

UN Diplomacy: Algeria’s Ahmed Attaf urged UNGA strengthening and a “deep reform” of the Security Council, warning against selectivity and double standards, while reiterating full support for Palestinians’ right to an independent state with Jerusalem as capital. OPEC Energy Talks: OPEC chief Haitham Al-Ghais said oil market stability depends on trust, mechanisms and cooperation, praising President Tebboune and the Algiers Accord on its 10th anniversary. Sahara/Western Sahara: Algeria said it remains ready to back Sahel stability and political solutions, as UN chief António Guterres met Attaf and Mauritania’s FM ahead of an October Sahara review. Science & National Development: Prof. Elias Zerhouni hailed Tebboune’s push to mobilize Algerian scientific expertise worldwide. Culture: UNESCO added Algiers’ FIBDA comics festival to its cultural policy monitoring platform. Aviation Justice: A Paris court fined Swiftair €225,000 over the 2014 Air Algérie Mali crash that killed 116. Health Cooperation: Algeria’s health minister met Greece’s parliament president to expand healthcare expertise and digital services. Sports: AFCON 2027 qualifiers continue with Algeria set to face Burundi and Zambia/Togo in the same round.

AFCON 2027 Prep: Algeria’s national team arrived in Bujumbura for a recovery session ahead of Tuesday’s qualifier against Burundi, with the squad led by coach Ibrahim Hamdani and a main training session planned at Intwari Stadium. Football & Discipline: Algerian left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri was sent home from international duty after a heated clash on the bench during Algeria’s 3-1 win over Zambia. Air Connectivity: Air Algerie will resume Algiers–Doha flights after nearly seven months, with the first service set for Tuesday and more frequent schedules from Oct. 25. Western Sahara Diplomacy: U.S. advisor Massad Boulos said Algeria is a “very good partner” in Western Sahara talks, while Washington awaits Polisario proposals on Morocco’s autonomy plan. Security & Defence: Algeria reportedly received Chinese HQ-17 short-range air-defence systems, boosting its layered air protection. Flood Watch: Heavy rain in Djanet and Illizi inundated roads in southeastern Algeria, disrupting traffic. Culture: Béjaïa Film Meetings opened with 32 films from about 15 countries, including Algerian and regional productions, plus workshops on documentary sound and film restoration.

Air Transport & Regional Links: Air Algérie plans to restart direct flights to Tripoli on 28 October, with two weekly services after nearly a decade-long suspension. Foreign Policy & Western Sahara: U.S. adviser Massad Boulos said Washington does not see an “imminent” settlement to the Western Sahara dispute, while Algeria’s FM Attaf reiterated support for Sahrawi self-determination at the UNGA. Security & Defence: Algeria is set to deepen air-defence cooperation with China after reports of the HQ-17 missile system procurement. Diplomacy & Finance: Algeria’s finance and banking ties with Qatar were discussed as Qatar’s central bank governor met Algeria’s finance minister; meanwhile, India’s Nirmala Sitharaman heads to Qatar for the AIIB governors meeting and bilateral talks including with Algeria. Economy & Energy: OPEC chief Haitham Al Ghais met Algeria’s hydrocarbons minister Arkab to review oil-market developments under OPEC+. Sports: Algeria’s Amine Gouiri is set to miss the rest of the AFCON 2027 camp after a left-thigh injury.

AFCON Camp Shock: Manchester City’s Rayan Aït-Nouri was sent home from Algeria duty after an altercation with staff during the 3-1 win over Zambia, with the federation citing a decision by coach Brahim Hemdani and saying he will return to his club. Injury Blow: Marseille striker Amine Gouiri also left the Algeria camp after tests confirmed a left-thigh muscle injury, adding pressure ahead of the next qualifier in Burundi. Energy Diplomacy: Algeria and Niger are expanding oil cooperation, assessing new Niger blocks including Bilma alongside the Kafra project, with Sonatrach and Sonidep pushing exploration and joint marketing. Sahel Security Talk: Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf used UNGA meetings to stress Algeria’s support for Sahel security and development, including talks with Mali and broader regional coordination. Refugee Warning: UNHCR chief Barham Salih warned that conditions for Sahrawi refugees in Tindouf are deteriorating and that humanitarian needs remain badly underfunded. Defense Cooperation: Algeria offered Benin operational expertise and military training to counter asymmetric threats, with framework agreements discussed but no signing date set. Sports Focus: Chipolopolo Zambia began recovery after their Algeria loss and prepare to host Togo next.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Algeria opened its campaign with a 3-1 win over Zambia in Tizi Ouzou, with Jaouen Hadjam scoring early and Ibrahim Maza and Anis Hadj Moussa sealing the comeback after Fashion Sakala’s equaliser. Squad Drama: Rayan Aït-Nouri was sent home after an altercation with the technical staff during the match, while Marseille striker Amine Gouiri is also set to leave camp with a left-thigh muscle injury. Next Fixtures: Algeria travel to Burundi for the second round, while Zambia host Togo next. Diplomacy & Sahel Security: Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf addressed “Security and Development in the Sahel” at UNGA and held talks with Mali’s counterpart, agreeing on a roadmap for cooperation. Refugee Crisis: UNHCR chief Barham Salih warned that conditions for Sahrawi refugees in Tindouf are deteriorating and called the long-standing status quo “intolerable.” Sports Media: SuperSport secured rights for AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers and the tournament across Sub-Saharan Africa.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Algeria kicked off its campaign in style, beating Zambia 3-1 in Tizi Ouzou as Jaouen Hadjam scored early, Fashion Sakala equalised, then Ibrahim Maza and Anis Hadj Moussa sealed the win—placing Algeria top of Group I on three points. Sports Round-Up: Morocco also started with a win, defeating Gabon 2-0, while Egypt were held 0-0 by Angola; across the continent, other qualifiers delivered mixed results as teams chase the 2027 spots. Judoka Spotlight: Three Algerian judokas are set to compete in the 2026 IBSA Judo World Championships in Tbilisi. Diplomacy at UNGA: Algeria’s foreign minister Ahmed Attaf held talks in New York with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, reviewing Algeria–US ties and regional issues. Human Rights & UN Focus: UN refugee chief Barham Salih urged the Security Council to push for peace so 117 million displaced people can return home, warning displacement can last generations. UN Walkout Protest: Algeria and other states withdrew from the UN General Assembly hall during a Zionist official’s address, while the UAE and Morocco stayed.

AFCON 2027 Qualifier: Algeria kicked off its Group I opener vs Zambia in Tizi Ouzou, with Jaouem Hadjam scoring early as the match got underway amid sold-out local preparations. Diplomacy at UNGA: Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf met US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in New York, while also taking part in UN events on the right to development and the Two-State Solution, stressing multilateralism and support for Palestine. Western Sahara Humanitarian Warning: UNHCR chief Barham Salih warned that conditions in Western Sahara’s displacement camps are deteriorating and that humanitarian needs remain badly underfunded. Tindouf Camps Rights Concerns: Two NGOs urged the UN Human Rights Council to strengthen protection and improve access and transparent registration for camp residents. Industry Push: Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb set a Dec 31 deadline for locally produced automotive plastic parts, aiming to raise Algeria’s integration rate, with a new Tissemsilt unit driving supply. Security & Defence: Reports say Algeria has procured Chinese HQ-17 short-range air defence systems, expanding its layered air defences. Energy/Business: International oil companies are weighing bids for Algeria’s second onshore licensing round.

Algeria–Turkey Financial Case: Prosecutors in Algiers are seeking prison terms of up to 12 years in a currency-transfer and money-laundering case tied to a Turkish clothing importer and traders accused of renting commercial registrations. Diplomacy at UNGA: Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf met US presidential adviser Massad Boulos on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, discussing bilateral ties, regional crises, and agreeing to continue Western Sahara consultations. Banking Expansion: The Bank of Algeria authorized Djezzy Payment Services to become a payment service provider, paving the way for accounts, transfers and merchant services. Health Industry Move: Saidal restarted a solvent distillation unit in Médéa after 20 years, targeting local production of inputs used for penicillin manufacturing. Tourism Branding: Algeria launched the Elcazar Tlemcen hotel brand at a luxury property in Tlemcen, positioning it as the country’s first national hotel brand. AFCON Qualifier Build-up: Algeria’s squad completed final training ahead of the sold-out home opener vs Zambia in Tizi Ouzou, with kick-off set for 20:00 local time. Regional Security: Algeria severed diplomatic ties with the UAE, citing years-long geopolitical conflict.