14 Jul Interview with Mohamed Lamine Lebbou, Governor of the Bank of Algeria
What are the main priorities of the Bank of Algeria?
Our first priority is financial inclusion. In a rapidly changing global environment, Algeria must strengthen private banking to increase public trust, encourage deposits and support investment and entrepreneurship. At the same time, the Central Bank must ensure effective supervision of foreign currency reserves and banking activities through clear and transparent regulations.
The second priority is global banking supervision. Algeria’s banking sector must align with international standards such as Basel regulations. Adapting to evolving global rules and strengthening standardization will help build investor confidence and improve Algeria’s investment environment.
Algeria’s economic outlook is positive. Growth reached 4.1% in the first half of 2025, compared with 4.0% in 2024, showing steady progress. Credit growth also increased by 8.2%, reflecting stronger investment activity and business confidence. We expect even stronger results in late 2025 and early 2026, driven by major projects in mining, energy, renewable energy and hydrocarbons.
The Central Bank remains fully committed to preserving financial stability while supporting economic development in a challenging global environment. Compared with many countries in the MENA region, Algeria continues to demonstrate strong economic, social and policy stability, and we believe the outlook for the future is even more promising.
In terms of macroeconomic stability, how can Algeria ensure it attracts foreign investors by providing both a secure environment to invest and the confidence that they can freely repatriate their funds?
Algeria offers a favorable environment for foreign investment. Investors can freely transfer dividends and profits after meeting tax obligations. Under the new investment code, major projects benefit from significant incentives, including exemptions from VAT, customs duties, and profit taxes for up to five years. The Algerian Agency for Promotion of Investment supports investors through its dedicated services and online platform, where all investment regulations and incentives are available.
Algeria also has a strong financial sector, with 20 universal banks, several financial institutions and dedicated funds supporting startups and innovation. With its strategic size, abundant resources and young, educated workforce, Algeria offers major opportunities in energy, mining, technology and industry. Our priorities are trust, knowledge and access to the key factors of production: labor, land, technology and capital. We believe these strengths can help deepen economic cooperation between Algeria and the United States.
What is your final message?
In today’s global economy, speed is essential for investors. The key is not only deciding to invest, but acting quickly to seize opportunities. Strategic sectors such as mining and renewable energy offer major potential in Algeria, but competition is strong and the best projects are awarded to the strongest and fastest investors. Investment also depends on trust and long-term stability. Algeria offers strong geopolitical stability and clear, predictable regulations. The government is committed to maintaining stable
Investment rules over the long term, giving investors the confidence they need to plan for the future. This stability is one of Algeria’s greatest advantages in an uncertain global environment and helps build lasting partnerships with international investors. The IMF Spring Meetings will take place next April 13–14, bringing together central bank governors from around the world, including the Federal Reserve of the United States. These meetings are an important opportunity to share a common vision focused on creating value, supporting employment and addressing global geopolitical challenges. The goal is to strengthen cooperation rather than fragmentation, and to work together on shared economic priorities.