AGP Executive Report

Arab Diplomacy: Foreign ministers meeting in Amman backed by Algeria and others condemned Israel’s “unprecedented” escalation in occupied Jerusalem, rejecting measures to alter the city’s Arab-Islamic-Christian identity and calling for coordinated international action. Algeria-Egypt Ties: Egypt’s FM met Algeria’s Ahmed Attaf on the sidelines of the Jerusalem ministerial meeting, stressing follow-up on the Cairo joint committee outcomes to boost economic, trade and investment cooperation, while discussing Libya’s political settlement. Regional Security/Religion: Jordan’s King Abdullah urged a unified Arab-Muslim stance to halt violations at Al-Aqsa, warning unrest could be exploited to create new facts on the ground. Migration Pressure on Spain: Ceuta’s recent surge continues to ripple into Spain’s regions, with Murcia warning its child protection system is under “maximum strain” as unaccompanied minors arrive by sea. Trade & Infrastructure (Algeria): The AfDB approved $878m for the second phase of Algeria’s Laghouat–Ghardaïa–El Meniaa rail project, linking central and southern Algeria and potentially feeding a future Trans-Saharan Railway corridor. Algeria in Sports: WAFCON quarter-finals set after Group B results: Algeria will face Ivory Coast, while Morocco hosts South Africa.

Ceuta Migrant Crisis: Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta is still dealing with the fallout from a late-July surge of about 72,000 migrants from Morocco, with at least 88 deaths reported and reception centres overwhelmed as authorities process hundreds of unaccompanied minors far beyond capacity. EU Border Politics: EU interior ministers insist Schengen wasn’t “at risk,” but the crisis is reigniting demands for tighter border controls and faster deportation rules. Morocco–Spain Tensions: Morocco blames “misleading information” and digital mobilization for the spike, while Spain accuses Morocco of failing to stop the crowd, deepening a diplomatic standoff. Energy & Markets: Oil prices edged up on US-Iran peace-talk uncertainty and Hormuz shipping risks, while OPEC+ approved a September output increase of 188,000 bpd. Algeria in Trade: Europe is reportedly turning to Algeria for air conditioners, with an export push of around 250,000 units in fast shipments. Algeria at AU: Algeria chaired an AU session on education in conflict areas, with the Sahrawi Republic urging protection of schooling for refugees.

Energy & Markets: Oil prices edged up as US-Iran peace-talk uncertainty kept supply-risk worries alive, with Brent rising to $84.64 and WTI to $80.63, while OPEC+ also moved to lift output by 188,000 bpd from September, capping further gains. Algeria in Trade & Industry: Europe is turning to Algeria for fast air-conditioner supply, with reports of a 250,000-unit order shipped in as little as 48 hours, led by Condor Electronics. Football & Talent Turnover: Algeria parted ways with coach Vladimir Petkovic by mutual consent after the World Cup, joining a wider wave of African managerial changes. Regional Diplomacy: Turkey’s FM Hakan Fidan and Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar are set to attend a Jerusalem ministerial meeting in Amman, aiming for a unified Arab/Islamic position amid worsening conditions in occupied Jerusalem. Migration & Border Politics (Ceuta): Spain’s Ceuta enclave remains under strain after a mass crossing that saw tens of thousands enter from Morocco; Spanish officials say about 70,000 of roughly 72,000 have returned, while authorities process the remaining cases. Digital Economy: A study ranks South Africa as Africa’s most future-ready digital economy, citing strong startup activity and high internet penetration.

OPEC+ Energy Move: OPEC+ agreed to raise September oil output by 188,000 barrels/day, completing the unwind of 2023 voluntary cuts, with Algeria among the seven countries involved; the decision comes as Iran-related Strait of Hormuz risks keep markets jumpy. Algeria Sports & Football: Algeria’s federation closed the “Xavi file” after demands exceeded its salary ceiling, and a shortlist of three candidates will be reviewed before naming a new coach. Algeria Visa Policy: Algeria published a visa-exemption list for certain foreign nationals, including African countries such as Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, SADR and Tunisia, while most other African travelers still need visas. Trade & Diplomacy: Algeria’s business footprint appears in regional cooperation as BTA signed a partnership with Iraq’s news agency, while Algeria also shows up in visa and cross-border cooperation headlines. Regional Business Context: Fertiglobe said it maintained strong production and exports despite logistics disruptions, with Algeria listed among its operations. Humanitarian/Border Shock (spillover): The Ceuta migrant surge continues to dominate regional politics and could affect EU-border policy debates that Algeria businesses and investors watch indirectly.

OPEC+ Oil Output Boost: OPEC+ approved a September production increase of about 188,000 barrels per day, with Algeria among the seven countries raising quotas as the group continues unwinding 2023 voluntary cuts amid Iran-war uncertainty and Strait of Hormuz risks. US Visa Bond Costs for Africans: The US made its refundable visa bond programme permanent, with consular officers able to require deposits up to $20,000 for certain B1/B2 business and tourist visas; Algeria is listed among affected countries. Algeria Visa Exemptions List: Algeria published a visa exemption list showing only a limited set of African countries whose citizens can enter without a visa, including Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, SADR, Seychelles and Tunisia. Algeria Football Coaching Search: Algeria closed the “Xavi file” after salary demands exceeded the federation’s ceiling, and a shortlist of candidates is set to be reviewed before a new national team coach is chosen. Ceuta Migration Fallout (EU pressure): The Ceuta border surge from Morocco—linked to wider EU border and Schengen debates—keeps political heat on Spain and highlights how migration crises can spill into business and travel planning. Arab Bank Group Results: Arab Bank Group reported H1 2026 net income of about $571m, citing growth in assets, deposits and fee income, and noting its Islamic window launch in Algeria. Stellantis in MENA: Stellantis said Middle East & Africa sales fell but it gained share, keeping leadership in light commercial vehicles and naming Algeria among key markets. Maritime Cooperation: Russian maritime officials discussed logistics and Mediterranean security with Algerian authorities, pointing to continued cross-border transport and security coordination.

Oil & Energy: OPEC+ has approved a September quota increase of about 188,000 barrels per day, completing the rollback of the 1.65 million bpd voluntary cuts agreed in 2023. The move may not immediately lift supply to markets because export bottlenecks tied to the Iran conflict (including Strait of Hormuz constraints) and disruptions in Russia and Kazakhstan are still limiting shipments. Algeria in the mix: Algeria is one of the core OPEC+ members in the September adjustment, keeping its role central to regional energy stability even as global prices react to geopolitics. US Visa Policy Impact: From Aug. 3, the US makes its $20,000 visa bond programme permanent for applicants from 50 countries (30 African), prompting calls for reciprocal measures from Nigerian experts. Regional Trade/Logistics: Russian officials held talks in Algeria on maritime logistics cooperation and security of navigation in the Mediterranean. Business & Society Watch: A UN warning flags AI-driven water demand rising 129%, with data centers concentrated in high-water-stress areas—an issue that could shape future investment and operating costs.

Energy Markets: OPEC+ agreed to raise oil production quotas by 188,000 barrels per day starting in September, completing the rollback of voluntary cuts launched in 2023; the seven core members include Algeria, alongside Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan and Oman, with monthly reviews continuing and the next meeting set for Sept. 6. Market Reality Check: Multiple reports stress the hike may not quickly translate into more barrels on global markets because the Strait of Hormuz remains constrained by the Middle East conflict, and some members face limits on actual output capacity. Diplomacy & Trade Links: Algeria’s newly appointed ambassador presented credentials in Somalia, with both sides pledging to deepen cooperation across politics, trade, security and cultural exchanges. Sports & Talent: Algeria’s USM Alger is among the clubs expected to feature in CAF draws in Cairo, while transfer chatter links Algerian winger Anis Hadj to Saudi club Al-Ahli’s former coach Matthias Jaissle and a possible Premier League pathway. US Travel Policy: The US made its visa bond programme permanent for selected countries, including Algeria, with refundable deposits potentially up to $20,000 for B1/B2 applicants.

US Visa Policy: The U.S. is making its visa bond programme permanent from Aug. 3, letting consular officers require refundable deposits of $10,000–$20,000 for selected B1/B2 business and tourist applicants from 50 countries—including Algeria—to curb overstays. Regional Finance: Jordan’s Arab Bank Group reported H1 2026 profit up to $571m (+7%), citing fee income strength and noting an Islamic banking window in Algeria. Migration & Borders: Spain’s North African enclave Ceuta saw a surge of about 60,000 migrants crossing from Morocco, triggering EU-wide political pressure; Spain says most returned to Morocco and EU leaders debate tougher border steps. Diplomacy/Trade Signals: Morocco named the Tiznit–Dakhla expressway the “President Donald J. Trump Highway,” linking the project to Western Sahara politics and U.S. recognition. Community & Culture: Algerian community members in Lawrence held a thank-you event for hosting Algeria’s World Cup fans, featuring traditional food and local business support. Security/Crime: Reports allege the “DZ Mafia” is behind attacks and killings in southern France, including threats tied to local officials.

Banking Results: Arab Bank Group says first-half 2026 net income rose 7% to $570.9m, with assets up 7% to $80.3bn and deposits up 6% to $58.8bn, citing disciplined risk management and expansion moves including an Islamic window in Algeria. EU Migration Shock: Spain’s Ceuta enclave faced a surge of roughly 50,000–60,000 migrants from Morocco, with Spain saying nearly all returned to Morocco and reporting at least 57 deaths; France and Italy tightened border controls and Italy suspended Schengen arrangements with Spain. US Visa Policy: The U.S. made its visa bond programme permanent, with consular officers able to require refundable deposits up to $20,000 for B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries (including many in Africa), effective Monday. Aviation Finance Pressure: AFRAA warns blocked repatriation of ticket and cargo revenues is undermining African airline viability, naming Algeria as the top country with $307m trapped. Customs Cooperation: Libya and Algeria signed a customs coordination deal in Tripoli to boost border security and crack down on smuggling and transnational crime.

Algeria-Libya Trade Security: Libya’s Customs Authority and Algeria’s General Directorate of Customs signed a cooperation deal in Tripoli to boost customs coordination, training, and monitoring to curb smuggling and transnational crime. African Airlines Cash Crunch: AFRAA warns that blocked repatriation of ticket and cargo revenues is strangling African carriers’ cash flow and connectivity; Algeria is cited as the top country with $307m blocked funds. Ceuta Migration Shock With Regional Fallout: Spain’s Ceuta enclave faced an unprecedented surge of migrants from Morocco—estimates near 60,000—with at least 57 deaths reported; Spain says returns to Morocco reached 48,300, while Italy temporarily suspended Schengen travel rules with Spain and Europe faces renewed pressure on border policy. Road Safety in Algeria: Algeria’s Civil Protection reports a bus accident in Boumerdés that killed 25 people and injured 44, with figures expected to change as serious cases are identified. Business & Industry Events: EQUIP AUTO Côte d’Ivoire announced its maiden edition for 26–28 Nov 2026, with expected participation from Algeria and a full auto value-chain program.

Road Safety: Algeria’s Civil Protection reports a deadly bus crash in Boumerdés (east), about 45 km from Algiers, with 25 dead and 44 injured so far, warning fatalities may rise as victims are identified and serious cases are evacuated. Migration & Borders: Spain’s Ceuta enclave is at the center of a major humanitarian and political storm after tens of thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco in about 24 hours, with at least 57 deaths reported; Madrid says the surge followed a Supreme Court ruling affecting sea interceptions and blames trafficking networks, while EU leaders debate possible Schengen fallout. Regional Security: Mali faces its worst security crisis in years as al-Qaeda-linked JNIM militants and separatist FLA rebels coordinate attacks, with fatalities up 35% in the first seven months of 2026. Energy Markets: Oil prices are set for a first monthly gain after volatile trading, as shipping improves in the Red Sea but uncertainty persists around the US-Iran track. Business & Investment: Qatar’s Baladna plans a $3.3bn farming and food-processing project in Syria, aiming to employ thousands and expand production across crops and dairy.

Algeria–Cameroon Trade & Skills: Algeria is discussing a partnership with Cameroon to boost training, innovation and digitalization in the handicraft sector, with workshops planned around SIARC 2026 in Yaoundé. Algeria Business & Food Tech: Danish firm Globaq Solutions has partnered with Fiskarna Aqua to develop Algeria’s first integrated aquaculture hub, combining land and marine systems plus hatchery, feed and R&D. US Tariffs Impacting North Africa: The US has put a 12.5% tariff on imports from seven African economies (including Algeria, Morocco and Egypt) under forced-labour rules, with product-level exemptions depending on customs classification. Regional Security Watch: Mali’s crisis is worsening as al-Qaeda-linked JNIM and separatist FLA coordinate attacks, while analysis warns Sahel security needs real cooperation beyond statements. Migration Pressure on Europe: Spain’s Ceuta is facing a major surge of migrants from Morocco, with Madrid sending military reinforcements as reception capacity collapses. Finance Update: Burgan Bank reported H1 2026 results, with revenues up 9% year-on-year to KD 138m.

Handicrafts Deal: Algeria is discussing a partnership with Cameroon to boost training, innovation and digitalization in handicrafts, with a memorandum of understanding expected after talks at Cameroon’s International Handicrafts Fair in Yaoundé. Banking Results: Burgan Bank reported H1 2026 revenues of KD 138m (+9% y/y), with net interest income up to KD 90m and non-interest income rising to KD 47m, though operating profit slipped to KD 45m as expenses and credit provisions increased. Music Industry Rules: IFPI backed clearer labeling for generative AI music on official charts, adopting new principles for transparency across the Official MENA Charts that include Algeria. Trade & Finance Diplomacy: Algeria and Kazakhstan moved to deepen financial and economic cooperation after a meeting between Algeria’s finance minister and Kazakhstan’s ambassador, including plans for more collaboration via international financial institutions. Regional Business Link: Qatar’s Baladna posted stronger H1 2026 results and said its Algeria expansion is progressing, with dairy farms and processing facilities under way. Migration Pressure: Morocco-linked media blamed social networks for coordinating young migrants’ mass crossing into Ceuta, while Spanish and Moroccan authorities discussed faster transfers and tighter reception coordination.

Parliament Leadership: Algeria is set to appoint its first woman as Speaker of the People’s National Assembly, with FLN lawmakers nominating physician Khalida Boufedech ahead of the new five-year term. Rail & Logistics: The African Development Bank approved an $878m, 230km railway line linking Ghardaïa to El Menia, aiming to boost agriculture and mining and strengthen Algeria’s Trans-Saharan corridor role. Energy & Trade Links: Algeria and Kazakhstan moved to deepen financial and economic cooperation, including e-government and electronic payments, via talks between the Kazakh ambassador and Algeria’s finance minister. Corporate Results (Algeria-linked): Baladna reported strong H1 2026 growth—revenue up 2.6% and net profit up 9.3%—with progress on its integrated dairy expansion in Algeria. Digital Infrastructure: Omani and Algerian firms signed an MoU to pilot automated water meter reading in Algiers using advanced digital tech, starting with 100 customer accounts. Diplomacy & Business Forums: Turkmenistan received credentials of Algeria’s new ambassador, with both sides highlighting plans to expand trade and economic cooperation through exhibitions and business forums. OPEC Watch: OPEC+ is preparing another September production increase before pausing monthly hikes through year-end, with Algeria listed among expected contributors. Western Sahara (US-backed project): The US Trade and Development Agency will fund early studies for a private ammonia project in Western Sahara, a move tied to the disputed territory’s energy ambitions.

Infrastructure Finance: The African Development Bank approved an $878m loan for a 230km Ghardaïa–El Menia railway section, part of a wider Trans-Saharan corridor aimed at boosting agriculture, mining and logistics. Energy & Trade Links: Algeria’s regional role stays in focus as OPEC+ weighs a possible pause on output increases from October, while oil prices slide on hopes of US-Iran de-escalation. Western Sahara Economy: The US Trade and Development Agency will fund early studies for a private ammonia project in Western Sahara (about $5.7m), underscoring the growing energy race around the disputed territory. Digital Water Modernisation: Oman and Algeria signed an MoU to pilot automated water meter reading using digital tech, starting with 100 customer accounts in Algiers. Politics & Governance: Algeria is set to appoint its first woman speaker of parliament, with Khalida Boufedech nominated by the ruling FLN bloc. Security: Algeria’s wider security environment remains tense after reports of major counter-terror arrests in the region.

Water & Smart Infrastructure: Omani and Algerian firms signed an MoU in Algiers to pilot automated water meter reading using LoRaWAN, starting with 100 customer accounts under a digital metering and data-management framework. Oil & OPEC+ Outlook: OPEC+ is expected to pause further oil output hikes for three months from October after September, with Algeria among the core members likely to raise targets for September—while quota talks and spare-capacity limits remain tricky. Finance & Fertiliser: Fertiglobe reported a big Q2 jump, with adjusted EBITDA more than doubling and record utilisation in Egypt and Algeria, alongside a proposed 20%+ dividend increase. Trade Policy Shock: The US expanded forced-labour-related Section 301 tariffs affecting 60 economies, including Algeria, raising near-term cost and compliance pressure for importers. Labour Rights: Amnesty says Algeria’s tribunal decision to dissolve independent teachers’ union CNAPESTE is a blow to freedom of association, urging authorities to rescind the ruling. Western Sahara Legal Battle: Algerian officials reiterated that Western Sahara is an unfinished decolonisation case and pointed to European court rulings affirming Sahrawi resource sovereignty, while accusing EU institutions of trying to bypass them under Moroccan pressure.