Tebboune and Erdogan Co-Chair Inaugural Algerian-Turkish High-Level Cooperation Council in Ankara
Image: TSA
Takeaway
The strengthening of Algerian-Turkish relations presents a strategic opportunity for Turkish businesses seeking to expand into North Africa. Investors should closely examine the outcomes of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council for specific project announcements and policy changes that could benefit Turkish companies in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and energy. The increased cooperation may also lead to preferential treatment for Turkish firms in Algerian tenders, potentially impacting European competitors.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria arrived in Ankara, Turkey on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, for an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. He was received at Esenboğa International Airport by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, marking the start of the visit. The two presidents held a private meeting at the airport before proceeding with the official program. The visit will include the inaugural session of the Algerian-Turkish High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, which both presidents will co-chair.
Algeria and Turkey have been steadily strengthening ties across various sectors in recent years. In 2024, trade volume between the two countries reached $5 billion, a significant increase from $3.2 billion in 2021. Key areas of cooperation have included energy, with Turkish companies investing in Algerian gas exploration projects, and construction, where Turkish firms have secured contracts for infrastructure development projects worth over $1 billion. In 2025, Algeria awarded a Turkish company a contract to build a new port facility in Jijel, valued at $750 million.
Turkey's investments in Algeria are diverse, spanning textiles, iron and steel, agri-food, chemicals, and mechanical industries. Tosyali Algeria, for example, is a major steel producer that will supply premium steel to the automotive and appliance industries starting in July 2026. Algeria's push to develop its domestic automotive industry, prioritizing steel and plastics, aligns with Turkey's industrial capabilities. The country's steel production capacity reached 12 million tonnes in 2025, with plans to increase it to 15 million tonnes by 2028.
The deepening cooperation between Algeria and Turkey could lead to increased opportunities for Turkish companies in Algeria's infrastructure projects, particularly in the construction and energy sectors. Algerian firms may benefit from Turkish expertise in manufacturing and technology, potentially boosting Algeria's industrial diversification efforts. European companies that compete with Turkish firms in Algeria, particularly in construction and manufacturing, may face increased competition. The focus on strengthening ties with Turkey could also signal a shift in Algeria's geopolitical alliances, potentially impacting its relationships with other European partners.
Looking ahead, the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council is expected to produce new agreements in energy, trade, and investment. The outcomes of these agreements will likely be announced in a joint statement following the council meeting. Investors should monitor the details of these agreements for specific opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Any increase in geopolitical instability in the region, particularly related to ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, could impact energy investments and trade flows between Algeria and Turkey.