Algeria and Italy Launch "Enrico Mattei" Agricultural Innovation Center in Sidi Bel Abbes
Image: Rass El Mal
Takeaway
The establishment of the "Enrico Mattei" center signals a deepening of economic ties between Algeria and Italy, creating opportunities for international companies specializing in agricultural technology, training, and research. Investors should monitor the center's activities and partnerships for potential entry points into the burgeoning African agricultural market, particularly in areas such as precision agriculture, sustainable resource management, and climate resilience.
Algeria and Italy have established the Algerian-Italian Center of Excellence for Agricultural Training, Research, and Innovation, named “Enrico Mattei,” with a focus on serving the African continent. The center's establishment was formalized through a presidential decree published in the Algerian Official Gazette No. 37. The center will be located in Sidi Bel Abbes, western Algeria, and operate under the supervision of the Algerian Ministry of Agriculture.
The initiative stems from a memorandum of understanding signed in July 2025 to strengthen economic and technological cooperation between Algeria and Italy. The center is named after Enrico Mattei, a symbolic figure in Algerian-Italian relations and a supporter of Algeria's independence struggle. The project aligns with the Mattei Plan promoted by the Italian government to enhance strategic partnerships with African nations in energy, agriculture, and industrial development. A call for applications for the position of General Manager was issued in January 2026, with a deadline of January 25, 2026.
The center aims to enhance technical and scientific expertise in the agricultural sector through innovative solutions and technology transfer. Key areas of focus include improving agricultural productivity, ensuring sustainable management of natural resources, and enhancing climate resilience. The Algerian Space Agency, the Italian Space Agency, and the Italian Council for Agricultural Research are also participating in the project. The center seeks to support innovative projects, promote specialized training, and facilitate technology transfer to address agricultural and food challenges in Africa.
The center's governance will be based on joint management by Algeria and Italy. A board of directors and a scientific and educational council, comprising representatives from both countries, will foster stable cooperation in applied research, specialized training, and agricultural innovation. The center is intended to serve as a platform of excellence, fostering knowledge exchange, collaborative research, and innovation in the agricultural sector among Algeria, Italy, and other African partners. The main objective is to modernize the agricultural sector and strengthen national food security in Algeria.
Looking ahead, the center is expected to play a crucial role in modernizing African agriculture through the implementation of technological solutions. The center will provide training for specialist trainers and consultants in specific technical fields. The involvement of the Italian and Algerian private sectors is also anticipated. The center's strategic plan will be defined and led by its General Manager, who will also oversee operational, financial, and administrative management, and develop collaborations with academic, industrial, and governmental institutions in Africa, Algeria, and Italy.