Latest news with #Adrar
Zawya
29-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Baladna signs contracts worth over $500mln for integrated agri-industrial project in Algeria
Algeria - The Algerian capital today witnessed the signing of initial contracts valued at over USD 500 million between Baladna Algeria and a group of Algerian and international suppliers and consultants. The contracts are part of the first phase of Baladna's integrated agri-industrial project for powdered milk production in Algeria, which represents a total investment of USD 3.5 billion. These agreements mark the official start of this strategic investment, aimed at enhancing food security and reducing reliance on imports—contributing positively to the national economy. Baladna Algeria is a joint-stock Algerian company established through a partnership between Baladna Q.P.S.C. and Algeria's National Investment Fund. The signing ceremony was attended by the Director General of the National Investment Fund; the Ministers of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries; Environment and Quality of Life; Industry; Water Resources; and Labor; the Secretary of State for the Algerian Diaspora Abroad representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and a representative from the Ministry of Vocational Training and Education. Also in attendance were the Delegate Governor of Adrar Province, the Director General of the National Investment Promotion Agency, the Director General of the National Dairy Office, several representatives of national banks, representatives of relevant institutions and organizations, His Excellency the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Algeria, and His Excellency the Ambassador of Algeria to the State of Qatar. From Baladna Q.P.S.C., the attendees included Mr. Moutaz Al-Khayyat – Chairman of the Board; Mr. Ramez Al-Khayyat – Board Member and Managing Director; Mr. Ali Al-Ali – Chairman of Baladna Algeria; Mr. Saifullah Khan – Board Member and Managing Director of Baladna Algeria; as well as representatives of the companies with whom the contracts were signed. The signed contracts cover a wide range of critical sectors, including agricultural technologies, production lines, irrigation equipment, water well drilling, steel and metal structure supplies, in addition to consultancy services in project management, topographic surveying, soil analysis, and environmental impact studies. Among the key international suppliers and consultants are GEA (Germany), a leader in dairy processing and automated milking systems; Valmont (USA), specialized in water-efficient irrigation systems; Urbacon UCC, a globally recognized contracting firm; and EHAF, a prominent engineering consultancy. Leading Algerian companies involved include Condor-Travocovia, RedMed Contracting, and EFORHYD, specialized in water well drilling. Mr. Moutaz Al-Khayyat, Chairman of Baladna, stated that the signing of these initial contracts, which form a key part of the project's first phase, marks a major milestone in what is considered one of the largest agri-industrial projects of its kind in the world. He said: "Today, we are taking a critical step in the execution of this integrated agri-industrial project for dairy and powdered milk production in Algeria, which aims to achieve self-sufficiency in one of the country's most essential and widely consumed food products. We are proud to bring together top-tier global and national expertise through collaboration with leading companies from the United States, Germany, Qatar, and Algeria. These combined efforts will ensure the project is delivered on schedule and according to the highest international standards—starting with field studies, soil and water analysis, construction, and the design and implementation of world-class irrigation networks and production lines." The Baladna Algeria project is among the largest in the world and the first of its kind in Algeria. Spanning 117,000 hectares, the project is being developed through a strategic partnership between Baladna Q.P.S.C. and the Algerian government, represented by the National Investment Fund. The initiative focuses on dairy cow farming and powdered milk production, and is expected to supply 50% of Algeria's national demand for powdered milk locally—supporting the country's goal of self-sufficiency. It will also contribute to the supply of red meat and create more than 5,000 job opportunities for the local workforce. Mr. Ramez Al-Khayyat, Board Member and Managing Director of Baladna, affirmed the rapid progress of the project and praised the collaboration with a distinguished group of companies. He commented: "We have signed a package of contracts covering critical sectors for this phase of the project—namely the first phase—which includes land preparation and construction work for two out of four farms, one out of two processing plants, and 700 pivot irrigation units out of a total of 1,400. Before the construction phase is completed, production will commence following the establishment of the dairy herd in 2026." © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
29-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Baladna signs initial contracts worth over USD 500mln
Algiers: The Algerian capital today witnessed the signing of initial contracts valued at over USD 500 million between Baladna Algeria and a group of Algerian and international suppliers and consultants. The contracts are part of the first phase of Baladna's integrated agri-industrial project for powdered milk production in Algeria, which represents a total investment of USD 3.5 billion. These agreements mark the official start of this strategic investment, aimed at enhancing food security and reducing reliance on imports—contributing positively to the national economy. Baladna Algeria is a joint-stock Algerian company established through a partnership between Baladna Q.P.S.C. and Algeria's National Investment Fund. The signing ceremony was attended by the Director General of the National Investment Fund; the Ministers of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries; Environment and Quality of Life; Industry; Water Resources; and Labor; the Secretary of State for the Algerian Diaspora Abroad representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and a representative from the Ministry of Vocational Training and Education. Also in attendance were the Delegate Governor of Adrar Province, the Director General of the National Investment Promotion Agency, the Director General of the National Dairy Office, several representatives of national banks, representatives of relevant institutions and organizations, His Excellency the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Algeria, and His Excellency the Ambassador of Algeria to the State of Qatar. From Baladna Q.P.S.C., the attendees included Mr. Moutaz Al-Khayyat – Chairman of the Board; Mr. Ramez Al-Khayyat – Board Member and Managing Director; Mr. Ali Al-Ali – Chairman of Baladna Algeria; Mr. Saifullah Khan – Board Member and Managing Director of Baladna Algeria; as well as representatives of the companies with whom the contracts were signed. The signed contracts cover a wide range of critical sectors, including agricultural technologies, production lines, irrigation equipment, water well drilling, steel and metal structure supplies, in addition to consultancy services in project management, topographic surveying, soil analysis, and environmental impact studies. Among the key international suppliers and consultants are GEA (Germany), a leader in dairy processing and automated milking systems; Valmont (USA), specialized in water-efficient irrigation systems; Urbacon UCC, a globally recognized contracting firm; and EHAF, a prominent engineering consultancy. Leading Algerian companies involved include Condor-Travocovia, RedMed Contracting, and EFORHYD, specialized in water well drilling. Mr. Moutaz Al-Khayyat, Chairman of Baladna, stated that the signing of these initial contracts, which form a key part of the project's first phase, marks a major milestone in what is considered one of the largest agri-industrial projects of its kind in the world. He said: "Today, we are taking a critical step in the execution of this integrated agri-industrial project for dairy and powdered milk production in Algeria, which aims to achieve self-sufficiency in one of the country's most essential and widely consumed food products. We are proud to bring together top-tier global and national expertise through collaboration with leading companies from the United States, Germany, Qatar, and Algeria. These combined efforts will ensure the project is delivered on schedule and according to the highest international standards—starting with field studies, soil and water analysis, construction, and the design and implementation of world-class irrigation networks and production lines." The Baladna Algeria project is among the largest in the world and the first of its kind in Algeria. Spanning 117,000 hectares, the project is being developed through a strategic partnership between Baladna Q.P.S.C. and the Algerian government, represented by the National Investment Fund. The initiative focuses on dairy cow farming and powdered milk production, and is expected to supply 50% of Algeria's national demand for powdered milk locally—supporting the country's goal of self-sufficiency. It will also contribute to the supply of red meat and create more than 5,000 job opportunities for the local workforce. Mr. Ramez Al-Khayyat, Board Member and Managing Director of Baladna, affirmed the rapid progress of the project and praised the collaboration with a distinguished group of companies. He commented: "We have signed a package of contracts covering critical sectors for this phase of the project namely the first phase which includes land preparation and construction work for two out of four farms, one out of two processing plants, and 700 pivot irrigation units out of a total of 1,400. Before the construction phase is completed, production will commence following the establishment of the dairy herd in 2026."
Zawya
17-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Algeria announces bid openiong session for the 2024 oil and gas round
Algeria's Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energies announced on Tuesday the bid opening session for 'Algeria Bid Round 2024,' launched by the National Agency for the Valorisation of Hydrocarbon Resources in Algeria (ALNAFT) last year. A report by local news website Echoroukonline said several global energy firms participated in the session, having previously reviewed the technical documentation through data rooms. It said the 2024 Round included six onshore exploration blocks spread across various provinces: • El Mziad El Kbir (in Ouargla, Ghardaïa, and El Menia) • Ahara (Illizi) • Reggane (Adrar) • Zraraffa (between Adrar and Ain Salah) • Tawal (between Ouargla and Illizi) • Qarn Al-Qissa (covering Béchar, Béni Abbès, El Bayadh, and Timimoun) Last month, Zawya Projects said in a report that the round attracted the interest of 41 global operators. The report said the next 2025 round is slated for launch in the fourth quarter of 2025. (Writing by Majda Muhsen; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Ya Biladi
09-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
He never went to school, yet fluent in English : Meet the Imlil guide turned entrepreneur
High in the Atlas Mountains, in the village of Armed—nestled between Imlil and the peak of Mount Toubkal—Mohamed Ait Mbark appears in his traditional djellaba and «razza» (turban), wrapped proudly around his head, as if he were part of the serene mountain landscape. But behind his ever-present smile lies a long journey, from guiding tourists on a mule to becoming an e-commerce entrepreneur. Born in 1978 in this remote, mountainside village—then without a school or training center—Mohamed nurtured an unusual dream for the region: to learn English. It wasn't a luxury but a necessity, driven by the reality of Imlil, where tourism was already the main source of livelihood. At 15, Mohamed began accompanying tourists through the mountains, carrying their luggage and guiding them silently. He didn't speak their language, but he listened—and learned. These treks could last two weeks or more, and it was amid nature and silence that his passion for languages and cultures quietly took root. «In Imlil, if you don't speak languages, you won't find a way to live. Tourists don't look down on you if you make mistakes; instead, they give you the confidence to speak and improve», he told Yabiladi in a phone interview. Years of guiding and interaction made him fluent in English, a skill he channeled into his own venture. He founded a carpet-weaving cooperative called Adrar—the Amazigh word for «mountains»—and began introducing visitors to the symbolism behind each design and color, weaving the rich heritage of the Amazigh people into every rug like a story told in threads. His vision soon went beyond traditional tourism. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and visitors stopped coming, Mohamed had to adapt. Though he couldn't write at the time, he turned to online sales. With the help of foreigners he had previously worked with, he learned to read and write, eventually managing digital accounts and selling carpets with a unique storytelling style. His pieces gained popularity both inside and outside Morocco. «Even if COVID lasts for 40 years, I'm not afraid, as long as transportation still works to deliver my goods», he joked to Yabiladi. Today, around 50 women—mostly local mothers—work in the cooperative. But Mohamed didn't stop at providing employment. He also created a training space, bringing artisans from other villages to teach the craft to anyone willing to learn, in a workshop he established in the village of Id Aissa. At home, his eight children speak English fluently, as do his siblings. With pride, he shares: «One of my sons left school in the first year of middle school. After working with me for four years, he became fluent in English and is now a tour guide. I encourage my children to learn languages and pursue commerce—those are the tools of the future». Despite his connection to the world, Mohamed remains deeply attached to his Amazigh roots. He proudly wears his traditional attire and razza, a symbol of identity and cultural pride. He ends his story with the same smile that never left his face: «It would be a shame if the men of the region stopped wearing this. I hold on to it because it's part of who I am. Today, I see it as an identity before it is a tradition».
Ya Biladi
08-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
He never went to school, yet fluent in English : Meet the Imlil guide turned entrepreneur
DR High in the Atlas Mountains, in the village of Armed—nestled between Imlil and the peak of Mount Toubkal—Mohamed Ait Mbark appears in his traditional djellaba and «razza» (turban), wrapped proudly around his head, as if he were part of the serene mountain landscape. But behind his ever-present smile lies a long journey, from guiding tourists on a mule to becoming an e-commerce entrepreneur. Born in 1978 in this remote, mountainside village—then without a school or training center—Mohamed nurtured an unusual dream for the region: to learn English. It wasn't a luxury but a necessity, driven by the reality of Imlil, where tourism was already the main source of livelihood. At 15, Mohamed began accompanying tourists through the mountains, carrying their luggage and guiding them silently. He didn't speak their language, but he listened—and learned. These treks could last two weeks or more, and it was amid nature and silence that his passion for languages and cultures quietly took root. «In Imlil, if you don't speak languages, you won't find a way to live. Tourists don't look down on you if you make mistakes; instead, they give you the confidence to speak and improve», he told Yabiladi in a phone interview. Years of guiding and interaction made him fluent in English, a skill he channeled into his own venture. He founded a carpet-weaving cooperative called Adrar—the Amazigh word for «mountains»—and began introducing visitors to the symbolism behind each design and color, weaving the rich heritage of the Amazigh people into every rug like a story told in threads. His vision soon went beyond traditional tourism. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and visitors stopped coming, Mohamed had to adapt. Though he couldn't write at the time, he turned to online sales. With the help of foreigners he had previously worked with, he learned to read and write, eventually managing digital accounts and selling carpets with a unique storytelling style. His pieces gained popularity both inside and outside Morocco. «Even if COVID lasts for 40 years, I'm not afraid, as long as transportation still works to deliver my goods», he joked to Yabiladi. Today, around 50 women—mostly local mothers—work in the cooperative. But Mohamed didn't stop at providing employment. He also created a training space, bringing artisans from other villages to teach the craft to anyone willing to learn, in a workshop he established in the village of Id Aissa. At home, his eight children speak English fluently, as do his siblings. With pride, he shares: «One of my sons left school in the first year of middle school. After working with me for four years, he became fluent in English and is now a tour guide. I encourage my children to learn languages and pursue commerce—those are the tools of the future». Despite his connection to the world, Mohamed remains deeply attached to his Amazigh roots. He proudly wears his traditional attire and razza, a symbol of identity and cultural pride. He ends his story with the same smile that never left his face: «It would be a shame if the men of the region stopped wearing this. I hold on to it because it's part of who I am. Today, I see it as an identity before it is a tradition».
