Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune is set to visit Berlin, Germany, in a move that underscores Algeria’s determination to forge strong, pragmatic economic partnerships across Europe and beyond. The message is simple yet powerful: business is business — and those willing to engage respectfully and mutually will find Algeria ready to deal.
This visit comes against the backdrop of increasingly strained relations between Algeria and France. The diplomatic chill began to deepen last year when French President Emmanuel Macron formally recognised Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara during an official trip to Morocco. The announcement was celebrated in Rabat but viewed in Algiers as a serious breach of trust.
At the time, International Supermarket News warned that France could come to regret that decision. Today, Algeria’s strategic pivot confirms that prediction. Economic opportunities that might once have naturally flowed toward Paris are now being channelled elsewhere — to Berlin, Rome, Beijing, and New Delhi.
Germany: Reliable Partner in Energy and Trade
Germany’s interest in Algeria has grown sharply, particularly in the areas of natural gas, renewable energy, and agricultural imports. As Europe seeks to diversify its energy sources, Algeria’s role as a major gas supplier has become even more critical. Berlin sees Tebboune’s visit as an opportunity to deepen ties in energy infrastructure, green technology, and industrial investment.
Italy: A Strategic Mediterranean Ally
Algeria’s relations with Italy have flourished in recent years, especially in the energy sector. The TransMed pipeline, which carries Algerian gas to Italy, has become a lifeline for European energy security. Beyond hydrocarbons, both nations are working to expand cooperation in shipping, food exports, and infrastructure development — all areas France once dominated.
China: Infrastructure and Industry at Scale
China’s presence in Algeria continues to grow, with large-scale infrastructure projects ranging from ports and highways to housing developments. Algeria values Beijing’s no-strings-attached approach to investment, contrasting sharply with the political conditions often associated with European partners. This has opened the door for long-term industrial collaboration.
India: Agricultural and Manufacturing Synergies
Earlier this year, Algeria hosted India’s president, signalling a new chapter in their bilateral relationship. With India seeking new markets for its manufactured goods and a reliable source for agricultural products and raw materials, Algeria offers a mutually beneficial match. The partnership also aligns with Algeria’s goal of diversifying trade beyond its traditional partners.
France Risks Losing Economic Relevance in North Africa
For decades, France enjoyed a privileged position in Algerian trade and investment. But Macron’s Western Sahara recognition shifted the balance. While Paris may have hoped for strategic gains in Morocco, the move alienated Algeria at a time when global competition for partnerships is fierce.
Today, Algeria is clearly demonstrating that no single country is indispensable. By building strong links with Germany, Italy, China, and India, Algeria is sending a direct message: those who respect its sovereignty and treat it as an equal partner will be rewarded with access to a fast-growing market and vast natural resources.
The Road Ahead
President Tebboune’s Berlin visit will likely result in new bilateral agreements in energy, manufacturing, and agriculture — strengthening Algeria’s hand in global trade negotiations. Meanwhile, France faces the uncomfortable reality that influence once taken for granted in Algiers is now eroding.
In geopolitics and business, timing matters. And right now, Algeria is making it clear that the clock is ticking for those who fail to understand its priorities.