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Algeria: Doing business & staying in touch
Doing business in Algeria
Business culture in Algeria is relationship-driven and often more formal than visitors may expect. Personal trust and mutual respect are central to successful business dealings, and introductions through local contacts are highly valued. Meetings may take time to arrange, and decisions are often made gradually rather than quickly.
Punctuality is appreciated, but meetings do not always begin on time, and schedules can be flexible. Initial meetings may focus as much on building rapport as on discussing business matters. Patience and a courteous approach are essential, particularly when dealing with government bodies or state-linked organisations.
Dress is conservative and professional. Men typically wear suits for formal meetings, while women are advised to dress modestly, avoiding overly revealing clothing. Business cards are commonly exchanged, and titles and surnames should be used unless invited to do otherwise.
Arabic and French are widely used in business settings, while English is increasingly common in international or energy-related sectors. Contracts and official documents are often in French or Arabic. Hospitality plays an important role in business culture, and accepting refreshments such as tea or coffee is considered polite.
Algeria has one of the largest economies in North Africa and is heavily shaped by its natural resources. The country is a major producer of oil and natural gas, and the energy sector dominates export earnings, government revenue and foreign exchange. Algeria is a member of OPEC, and hydrocarbons account for the vast majority of its exports.
The energy industry is largely state-controlled, with the national company Sonatrach playing a central role in oil and gas production, processing and export. Much of Algeria's trade is linked to Europe, particularly through gas pipelines and liquefied natural gas exports across the Mediterranean.
Beyond energy, the economy includes agriculture, construction, manufacturing and services, though these sectors are less developed. Agriculture remains important for domestic consumption, especially in the fertile northern regions, while manufacturing focuses mainly on basic goods rather than high-value exports. Tourism has potential but remains underdeveloped compared with neighbouring countries.
Algeria faces ongoing economic challenges, including dependence on hydrocarbons, unemployment and the need for diversification. In recent years, the government has introduced reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment and encouraging private-sector growth, though bureaucracy and regulation remain significant factors for businesses operating in the country.
Keeping in Touch in Algeria
Mobile phone coverage in Algeria is generally good in major cities and along the northern coastal region, but can be limited in rural areas and vast parts of the Sahara. Signal strength may drop significantly outside urban centres, and coverage in remote desert regions should not be relied upon.
The main mobile network operators are Mobilis, Djezzy and Ooredoo Algeria. Prepaid SIM cards are widely available in cities and can be purchased from official shops and authorised retailers. A passport is required for registration. Data packages are relatively affordable by international standards.
International roaming can be expensive, and coverage agreements vary by provider, so many visitors prefer to purchase a local SIM card on arrival. Network speeds are adequate for messaging, navigation and basic browsing in urban areas, though performance may be inconsistent.
Wi-Fi is available in Algeria, but should not be considered consistently reliable. In larger cities such as Algiers and Oran, most mid-range and higher-end hotels offer Wi-Fi, though speeds can vary and connections may be intermittent. Smaller guesthouses and budget accommodations may have limited coverage or slower service.
Some cafés and restaurants provide Wi-Fi for customers, particularly in urban areas, but this is not universal. Public Wi-Fi networks are limited and should not be relied upon for regular connectivity. Registration may be required in certain locations.
Internet speeds are generally sufficient for messaging, email and basic browsing, but streaming and high-bandwidth activities can be slow. In remote areas and desert regions, Wi-Fi access is often unavailable.
Visitors should avoid accessing sensitive information over unsecured public networks. For more dependable connectivity, purchasing a local SIM card with a data package is usually a better option than relying solely on Wi-Fi.
Algeria has a mixed media environment that includes state-run and privately owned outlets, though the sector operates within regulatory constraints. Television remains the most influential source of news and entertainment. The public broadcaster, Établissement Public de Télévision, operates several national channels, and a number of privately owned stations also broadcast domestically.
Radio is widely listened to, particularly in cars and rural areas. The state broadcaster, Radio Algérienne, runs multiple channels in Arabic, Tamazight and French. Local stations are common in larger cities.
Print newspapers are published mainly in Arabic and French. French-language papers remain influential, particularly among business and urban audiences. English-language print media is limited, but international news can be accessed online.
Internet use is widespread in cities, and social media platforms are popular sources of news and discussion. However, journalists operate under legal restrictions, and coverage of political or security matters may differ significantly from international reporting. Visitors should be aware that criticism of the government or sensitive topics can attract legal consequences, and media consumption habits reflect the country’s regulatory framework.
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