While no formal press release has been issued by either Cital SPA or John Cockerill at the time of publication, the announcement was made during an official diplomatic and business engagement, signalling institutional support from both governments.
Algeria has taken a notable step toward establishing a domestic railway manufacturing industry, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the state-backed rail rolling stock firm Cital SPA and Belgian engineering group John Cockerill. The agreement was concluded during the Belgium–Algeria Business Forum held in Algiers in June 2025.
Facilitated by the Embassy of Belgium in Algeria and the Belgian–Algerian Business Council (CABA), the forum brought together over 150 participants, including senior officials, employer organisations, and business leaders from both countries. More than 18 Belgian firms were represented, with sectors ranging from energy and agri-food to construction, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and transport.
The new partnership forms part of Algeria’s broader railway expansion strategy, which was announced in 2024.
As part of this vision, the agreement with John Cockerill is expected to support the establishment of a local rail manufacturing capability focused initially on locomotive production. The collaboration places strong emphasis on technology transfer, industrial skill development, and the localisation of production processes.
Cital SPA, which is already active in tram assembly through a joint venture involving Alstom, Ferrovial, the National Railway Transport Company (SNTF), and the Algiers Metro Authority (EMA), will now broaden its operational focus to include heavy rail rolling stock. This move is expected to reduce Algeria’s dependence on imported rail vehicles, promote cost efficiency, and contribute to job creation.
The initiative also aligns with government efforts to develop an integrated national railway ecosystem capable of eventually supporting export markets and cross-border transport integration in North Africa.
