Algeria (Q2 2026): Tightly Controlled Electoral Reforms, an Energy Push, and Economic Gains

The quarter was dominated by preparations for legislative elections, set for early July 2026. The run-up saw a decree amending the electoral law adopted in early April, followed by a new law on political parties on April 23. Together, these reforms tightened administrative control over candidacies, and by late May the National Independent Election Authority had invalidated a number of opposition lists as a result.

International observers kept a close watch on the treatment of media professionals and civil society during this period, particularly around questions of freedom of expression ahead of the vote.

On April 19, the national agency ALNAFT officially launched Algeria Bid Round 2026, its second major hydrocarbon licensing cycle under the 2019 law. Covering seven onshore blocks, the global tender cements Algeria’s position as a stable, strategically vital energy supplier to Europe—not least through the Medgaz pipeline—at a moment of heightened global geopolitical tension.

June brought a major financial win: the Financial Action Task Force formally removed Algeria from its grey list, a recognition of the country’s anti-money-laundering reforms that should significantly ease the way for foreign investment.

The agricultural sector closed the quarter on a strong note, with cereal harvest projections for the 2025-2026 season topping 5 million tonnes (50 million quintals).

On the digital front, the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications inaugurated a sector-wide cyber incident monitoring and response center in mid-June, a move that accelerates the country’s national digital transition and artificial intelligence strategy.

In short: the quarter reflects a dual strategy in Algiers—tight political and institutional control at home, paired with an assertive economic opening aimed at capturing energy investment and cementing Algeria’s role as a key commercial crossroads between Europe and Africa.