On July 5, 2024, Algeria celebrated the 62nd anniversary of its hard-won and proud independence. The journey made by Algeria since regaining its independence has been that of preserving its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, won at the cost of great struggles against the most despicable colonial occupation of its time, but, above all, of consolidating Algeria's weight and position internally and externally. Algeria's journey since 1962 has been rich in historic commitments, challenges and milestones. The internal reconstruction of the country was an absolute priority for the independent Algerian state. As soon as independence was regained, both the public authorities and the Algerian people showed great determination to rebuild a country ravaged by seven years of Liberation War (1954-1962) and 132 years of indiscriminate occupation (1830-1962). Despite the various constraints and obstacles encountered in the immediate aftermath of independence, independent Algeria worked hard and brought about major socioeconomic transformations that were admired and even coveted by the world. The top priority challenges were to improve the education system by combating illiteracy, and to set up an efficient health system guaranteeing access to healthcare for all. Two achievements of 1st of November 1954 revolution, offering free health and education to all Algerians from independence to present day. In the field of national education, Algeria has embarked on a massive literacy policy that has enabled millions of children to go to school. Today, Algeria has 11 million children in school and more than 30,000 educational establishments across the three cycles of education. The higher education sector has followed a similar trajectory to that of national education. Algeria now boasts more than 1.6 million students (compared with 3,800 in 1962), spread across more than 110 universities and taught by almost 70,000 lecturers. In concrete figures, more than five million graduates have been trained since 1962 in Algerian universities, including more than 60,000 students from sub-Saharan African countries, trained free of charge by the Algerian government. As regards the development of infrastructure and public works, titanic efforts have been underway since independence, with the aim of creating a dynamic economy and developing our different regions, leveraging their respective unique features and potential. A rising energy hub Within the first decade of its independence, Algeria distinguished itself by implementing an industrialisation strategy through selective deployment of heavy industry, particularly in the steel and petrochemical sectors. It has also embarked on a vast project to build hydraulic dams and power stations to improve access to electricity for households and businesses. Today, Algeria produces more than 25,000 megawatts (MW) and aims to reach 45,000MW in the next few years, while its average consumption is 12,000MW. It also boasts an export surplus of 10,000MW, part of which is exported to its neighbours, including Tunisia and Libya. It is also preparing to sign agreements with international partners for the construction of an undersea electricity cable that will enable it to export its surplus electricity to Europe, which will consolidate the country's position as a major player in the energy transition and a regional energy hub. The Algerian government has also invested heavily in the water sector to meet the growing needs of its population and the agricultural sector, but also to meet the challenges posed by the climate changes that have affected Algeria. To this end, and particularly since 2019, huge efforts have been made to build new seawater desalination plants to make up for the shortage of water. Algeria currently has 23 seawater desalination plants spread over the 14 coastal departments, supplying 18% of the country's water consumption. The rate of coverage of the country's water needs by desalination plants will rise to 42% by the end of 2024 and 60% by 2030. Under the guidance of the President of the Republic, Mr Abdelmadjid TEBBOUNE, the agricultural sector has experienced a singular dynamic since 2020 and constitutes an important lever for national food security. The sector contributes 18% of the country's GDP, i.e. US$35 billion, employs more than a quarter of the national workforce and provides 75% of the country's food requirements. The sector's prospects are promising, with major investments underway in southern Algeria to achieve food self-sufficiency by 2027 and effectively become a net exporter of agricultural products. A model of good governance Since the election of President TEBBOUNE at the head of the country in December 2019, Algeria has undergone a spectacular transformation on all fronts and has opened a new page – turned towards its domestic socioeconomic development and its affirmation on the continental and international stage. Having begun his term with the slogan ‘New Algeria’, President TEBBOUNE has implemented a highly ambitious programme of governance based, among other things, on the moralisation of public life, the relentless fight against corruption, increasing citizens' purchasing power, improving public services and the legislative and regulatory framework for investment, strengthening State institutions and consolidating the country's sovereignty throughout the political and economic decision-making processes. Economically, the President of the Republic launched an economic recovery policy and affirmed the State's commitment to building a powerful economy. Today, Algeria is beginning to reap the benefits of this policy. The new Algeria has returned to strong growth, thanks to the reforms implemented in the agricultural, industrial, investment and banking sectors. A new investment law, which came into force in 2022, has boosted the country’s attractiveness to foreign investment and enabled the launch of major investment projects with foreign partners. With the various advantages it offers, Algeria is currently one of the best – and safest – destinations for investment. In terms of economic size, the International Monetary Fund ranked Algeria as the 3rd largest economy in Africa in 2024, with an estimated GDP of US$267 billion, just behind South Africa and Egypt. Algeria also has the largest foreign exchange reserves in Africa, with US$69 billion, with no foreign debt. Socially, President TEBBOUNE's agenda has contributed to a substantial improvement in the living conditions of Algerians and to the consolidation of their purchasing power through significant salary increases and the introduction of an unemployment allowance, the first of its kind in the Arab and African world. Meanwhile, July 5, 2024, was marked by a major social event: the distribution of more than 250,000 housing units on the commemorative date of the 62nd anniversary of independence. This achievement was made thanks to the 54 commitments made by President TEBBOUNE. Diplomatically, Algeria remains faithful to its doctrine and the cardinal principles that have always guided its diplomacy: respect for the sovereignty, independence and integrity of States, non-interference in the internal affairs of States, respect for the rules of good neighbourliness, the peaceful settlement of disputes and support for just causes, including the Sahrawi and Palestinian causes. Under the leadership of President TEBBOUNE, Algeria has further asserted itself and become a key player, emerging as an essential regional power, a reliable partner and a force for stability, respected for its positions and its unwavering principles. The writer is the Algerian Ambassador to Rwanda.
