Algeria Launches National Campaign to Collect Hides for Industry
Image: Ennahar
Takeaway
The hides collection campaign presents an opportunity for investors in Algeria's leather industry. By securing a consistent supply of raw materials, local manufacturers can reduce import costs and increase production. Companies specializing in leather processing technologies and sustainable waste management should explore partnerships with Algerian firms to capitalize on this initiative and contribute to the growth of the sector.
The Ministry of Industry has announced the launch of a national campaign to collect sacrificial animal hides for the Eid al-Adha of 2026, under the slogan “From the Sacrifice to the Factory… Your Sacrificial Hide is a Value Not to Be Wasted”. The ministry emphasized that millions of hides are transformed into a significant economic and industrial resource during each Eid al-Adha, which can contribute to supporting national production and protecting the environment. The initiative aims to promote the valorization of local resources and convert them into raw materials to support the national industry and reduce reliance on imports.
This campaign addresses the issue that a significant portion of these hides are lost annually due to improper collection or damage resulting from inadequate preservation methods. By improving collection and preservation, the Ministry of Industry aims to integrate the hide collection into the broader circular economy framework that Algeria has been developing. In January 2025, Algeria adopted a new law to strengthen waste management and advance the circular economy, modifying and supplementing Law 01-19 on waste management, control, and elimination. This law focuses on integrated waste management, including a digital waste management system, and aligns with the United Nations' principles of the circular economy.
The leather industry in Algeria has the potential to make significant contributions to the national economy. Hundreds of Algerian factories specialize in the production and processing of leather, with a production capacity of 9 million square feet of bovine leather per year. The textile and clothing subsector in Algeria has needs exceeding 150 million items annually, but local producers only cover about 4% of these needs, with imports accounting for the remaining 94%. The government has been making efforts to revitalize the textile and leather sectors, and the textile, knitwear, and garment industries have seen a climb of nearly 12%.
The hides collection campaign is expected to benefit the local leather industry by providing a more reliable supply of raw materials. This could reduce the need for imports and support the growth of local manufacturing. International service companies specializing in leather processing and tanning may find opportunities to partner with Algerian firms to improve the quality and value of locally produced leather goods. Consumers may also benefit from a wider range of locally produced leather products at competitive prices.
Looking ahead, the success of this campaign could lead to similar initiatives for other types of waste materials, further strengthening Algeria's circular economy. The Ministry of Industry could explore partnerships with municipalities and local communities to establish collection points and processing facilities. Monitoring the volume and quality of collected hides will be crucial to assess the campaign's effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. Further investment in training and technology for leather processing could enhance the industry's competitiveness and export potential.