Air Algérie Signs Agreements to Boost African Air Connectivity
Image: AL24 News
Takeaway
Air Algérie's strategic partnerships with the African Business Council and the Africa Prosperity Network signal a concerted effort to capitalize on the growing intra-African trade and investment flows. Investors should monitor Air Algérie's route expansions and fleet modernization plans, as these developments could create opportunities for aircraft manufacturers, aviation service providers, and tourism-related businesses. The airline's focus on developing Algiers as a regional hub may also attract investment in airport infrastructure and logistics.
Air Algérie signed cooperation agreements with the African Business Council and the Africa Prosperity Network in Addis Ababa on Monday, February 16, 2026, to enhance its continental reach. The partnerships aim to facilitate the movement of African economic players, support intra-African trade, and accompany initiatives to strengthen economic integration within the continent. These agreements align with the African Union's Agenda 2063 vision for an integrated and prosperous Africa.
Air Algérie's CEO, Hamza Benhamouda, outlined a three-year action plan in September 2025 at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) to strengthen the airline's presence across the continent. As part of this strategy, Air Algérie resumed flights between Algiers and Johannesburg with three weekly flights in early February 2026. In October 2025, the airline launched a new route to N'Djamena, Chad, with a stopover in Douala, Cameroon, operating two weekly frequencies. This expansion followed instructions from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune during the IATF 2025 to establish a direct flight between Algeria and Chad.
Air Algérie's African strategy is based on three pillars: capitalizing on long-standing routes such as Dakar, Abidjan, Nouakchott, Niamey, and Ouagadougou; connecting the regional network via Libreville, Cotonou, and Conakry; and developing international routes. The airline also secured "fifth freedom rights" from Chadian authorities, enabling it to carry passengers between N'Djamena and Douala. In addition to its continental expansion, Air Algérie is strengthening its position in China, preparing to inaugurate flights to Guangzhou with three weekly frequencies using Airbus A330-900neo aircraft.
The African Business Council (AfBC) plays a crucial role in connecting the African private sector with the African Union to promote investment, partnerships, and SME growth. Dr. Amany Asfour, President of the AfBC, has advocated for African governments to reserve at least 40% of public procurement for continental businesses to support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Africa Prosperity Network (APN) is a non-profit organization committed to creating prosperity for Africans and Global Africans by providing a platform for practical discussions and actionable policies.
Looking ahead, Air Algérie plans to inaugurate a service to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia in spring 2026. The airline's acquisition of 34 aircraft by 2028 will enable the renewal of its fleet and meet the growing demand for air transport on both domestic and international networks. This expansion aims to achieve the socio-economic development objectives set out by President Tebboune, particularly through the strengthening of regional connectivity and the development of Algiers International Airport as a hub.