The financing will advance the second phase of the 495-kilometre Laghouat–Ghardaïa–El Meniaa railway line and support the development of the Trans-Saharan railway corridor between Algiers and Tamanrasset.
By reducing transport costs and journey times, the railway is expected to support agricultural and mining production and strengthen economic activity in agro-industry, logistics, construction and public works.
- The African Development Bank Group has approved US$878.09 million in financing.
- The financing covers the second phase of the railway project.
- The complete Laghouat–Ghardaïa–El Meniaa railway line will extend for 495 kilometres.
- The project includes construction of the 230-kilometre Ghardaïa–El Meniaa section.
- Algeria’s Ministry of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure will implement the project.
- The railway is located along the Trans-Saharan railway corridor from Algiers to Tamanrasset.
- The project includes training for young people and women in railway, logistics, tourism and handicraft occupations.
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved US$878.09 million in financing for the second phase of construction of Algeria’s 495-kilometre Laghouat–Ghardaïa–El Meniaa railway line.
The financing will support the construction of the 230-kilometre Ghardaïa–El Meniaa section, together with integrated infrastructure and institutional support activities. The project will be implemented by Algeria’s Ministry of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure.
The railway is intended to improve the competitiveness of transport and support regional integration along the Trans-Saharan railway corridor, which extends from Algiers to Tamanrasset in southern Algeria.
“Through this financing, the African Development Bank is supporting Algeria in delivering strategic railway infrastructure that will drive economic transformation, territorial connectivity, and regional integration,” said Mike Salawou, Director for Infrastructure and Urban Development at the African Development Bank Group.
The Laghouat–Ghardaïa–El Meniaa line is expected to support the expansion of agricultural and mining production in the provinces, or wilayas, located along the corridor. By bringing production centres closer to markets, the railway will reduce transport costs and journey times while supporting economic activity in agro-industry, logistics, construction and public works.
Abdoulkader Dileita, African Development Bank Country Manager for Algeria, said: “This project reflects Algeria’s policy of economic diversification beyond hydrocarbons by connecting its people, mines, and ports to optimise the use of its resources and generate wealth. It is also a major asset for regional integration, reinforcing Algeria’s position as a gateway between Africa, the Mediterranean and Europe.”
The project also includes local development activities, including targeted training for young people and women in railway, logistics, tourism and handicraft occupations.
The financing is aligned with the African Development Bank Group’s 2025–2030 Country Strategy Paper for Algeria, particularly its priority of promoting infrastructure to support economic development and regional integration.
