The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved $878.09 million in financing to support the second phase of Algeria’s Laghouat–Ghardaïa–El Meniaa railway project. The investment will help expand strategic transport infrastructure, improve regional connectivity, and strengthen economic development along the Trans-Saharan railway corridor.
The project involves the construction of the 230-kilometre Ghardaïa–El Meniaa railway section, forming part of the wider 495-kilometre Laghouat–Ghardaïa–El Meniaa line. The initiative will be implemented by Algeria’s Ministry of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure and will include integrated infrastructure development and institutional support activities.
The new railway connection is expected to improve transportation efficiency by reducing travel times and logistics costs while connecting production areas with markets. It will support growth in key sectors including agriculture, mining, agro-industry, construction, logistics, and public works across provinces located along the corridor.
The project is also part of Algeria’s broader strategy to diversify its economy beyond hydrocarbons. By improving links between mining areas, agricultural regions, ports, and major cities, the railway line is expected to enhance trade opportunities and strengthen Algeria’s role as a connection point between Africa, the Mediterranean, and Europe.
Beyond infrastructure development, the project includes initiatives aimed at supporting local communities. These measures include training programs for young people and women in railway-related professions, logistics, tourism, and handicrafts, helping create employment opportunities and build local skills.
The African Development Bank said the investment aligns with its 2025–2030 Country Strategy Paper for Algeria, which prioritizes infrastructure development, economic growth, and regional integration. Once completed, the railway expansion is expected to play a key role in improving mobility, supporting industrial growth, and strengthening economic links across southern Algeria.
