Free zones: After Tindouf, In-Guezzam joins the race

The working session, chaired by local authorities and attended by members of the interministerial commission responsible for studying the project, was held at the wilaya headquarters. According to the APS dispatch, "explanations were provided concerning, in particular, the proposed land base for the creation of the commercial free zone and the economic prospects expected from the revitalisation of trade with neighbouring countries ." The meeting "also provided an opportunity to address various issues related to border activity, including border post management, regulatory and customs procedures in force, as well as daily commercial activity and border bartering." Following the meeting, the ministerial delegation visited the site. The APS states that it "conducted a field visit to the border post to inquire about working conditions and available resources, before inspecting the site intended to host the In-Guezzam free trade zone and identifying the steps to be taken to bring the project to fruition." The inspection of the site hosting this future commercial platform demonstrates the government's desire to accelerate the completion of this project, which aims to capture trade flows with Niger and, beyond that, with the whole of West Africa.

This project is part of a broader initiative launched by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in 2024, who decided to create free trade zones between Algeria and five African countries: Mauritania, Tunisia, Libya, Mali and Niger. The stated objective is threefold: to diversify the national industrial fabric, increase non-hydrocarbon exports and strengthen the country's economic integration into its continental environment. These zones, designed as modern logistics hubs, are subject to a special customs regime providing economic operators with substantial customs and tax exemptions, in accordance with the provisions of Law 22-15 setting out the rules governing free zones. This project is accompanied by the construction of major road and rail infrastructure, such as the Trans-Saharan Highway, the Tindouf-Zouerate Highway, the Béchar-Tindouf line and the Algiers-Tamanrasset line, with the aim of creating genuine economic corridors.

The wilaya of Tindouf, which is hosting the first experiment of its kind in Algeria, serves as a reference for future projects. Established by Executive Decree 24-169 of 25 May 2024, the Tindouf free trade zone, covering an area of 200 hectares near the Mauritanian border, is making significant progress. Roadworks and various networks, entrusted to the National Public Works Company, are more than 58% complete, while storage areas and the customs zone, built by the National Civil Engineering and Construction Company, are more than 65% complete. The residential area is 91% complete. This hub, designed as an integrated city with all necessary economic infrastructure, will be located next to the Tindouf-Zouerate road and will eventually be connected to the rail network.

The In-Guezzam project complements the territorial network of this border strategy. If Tindouf faces Mauritania and the Atlantic, In-Guezzam opens a door to Niger and the Sahel, where Algeria seeks to consolidate its economic influence amid growing regional and international competition.