• Government targets 20,000 tons of aquaculture output by 2026

• Investment focuses on fish feed, hatcheries, and farm expansion

• Sector aims to reduce reliance on imports and ease supply deficit

Algeria announced a plan to accelerate the development of its aquaculture sector and increase domestic fish supply.

Following a national meeting with industry stakeholders on April 23, the Ministry of Agriculture said the plan aims to double aquaculture production to 20,000 tons by 2026.

Growth in output is supported by a sharp increase in fish stocking. Authorities plan to release 80 million seabream and seabass juveniles during the current season, up from 50 million introduced into offshore cages in 2025. At the same time, 28 marine farms are currently in operation, with ongoing efforts to expand capacity through additional cages and new production zones.

Beyond stocking, the government is focusing on improving access to fish feed, a major cost factor in aquaculture.

Several industrial projects have been launched or revived to support this effort. One key initiative is the restart of a fish and shrimp feed production plant in Ouargla, developed in partnership with South Korea. The facility, managed by the National Office for Animal Feed (ONAB), is currently in a testing phase and is expected to produce specialized feed, particularly for shrimp farming.

Private investment is also playing a role. A new aquaculture feed production unit, AviFish, has begun operations in the Bouira region.

According to the World Economic Forum, feed supply challenges in Africa make aquaculture production costs 10% to 20% higher than the global average, largely due to reliance on imported inputs.

Incentives to attract investment

To support the sector’s expansion, the Algerian government has introduced new incentives aimed at investors and input producers.

Since January 2026, the finance law has granted customs duty exemptions and reduced VAT rates on imports of raw materials used in aquaculture feed production. Locally produced feed also benefits from reduced VAT, in a move designed to improve competitiveness.

Authorities expect these measures to lower production costs, attract investment, and support the long-term viability of aquaculture businesses.

Despite these efforts, aquaculture remains a small part of Algeria’s fish supply. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, total fish production reached 82,366 tons in 2023, with 93% coming from capture fisheries. With domestic demand estimated at around 127,000 tons, the country faced a supply gap of roughly 45,000 tons.

Through these initiatives, Algeria aims to scale up aquaculture and reduce that deficit over time.

Stéphanas Assocle