Algeria Streamlines Eid al-Adha Sheep Acquisition via Digital Platform, Imports 16,250 via Port of Ténès
Image: Algerie Eco
Takeaway
The move to streamline sheep acquisition through a digital platform and large-scale imports aims to stabilize prices and ensure affordability for Algerian citizens during Eid al-Adha. International investors in livestock and agriculture should monitor Algeria's import tenders and supply chain developments, as the country's reliance on imports presents opportunities for exporters. The price caps and regulated sales channels may impact profitability for private traders.
The Algerian Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries has established procedures for acquiring Aïd El-Adha sheep for 2026 through the national platform adhahi.dz. The platform is dedicated to reserving and selling imported sheep. The Ministry of Agriculture unveiled six steps necessary to acquire a sheep less than a month before the sacrificial holiday.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune decided to import one million sheep to support the national livestock market for Eid al-Adha. The Ministry of Agriculture was instructed to immediately implement the decision. The President also ruled that the retail price of imported sacrificial sheep sold to citizens should not exceed DZD 50,000 (~$370). The government has applied customs and fiscal exemptions on imports until June 30, 2026.
The process relies on advance registration via the adhahi.dz digital platform, where citizens will receive an SMS containing the date, time, and location to acquire the sacrificial animal. Minister of Agriculture Yassine Walid stated that the initiative is a direct implementation of presidential directives, aimed at ensuring transparent and well-organized distribution of imported livestock across the country. The minister stressed that no other sales channel will be recognized outside the official platform. To encourage modern payment methods, the prices have been set at DZD 50,000 (~$370) for cash payment, DZD 49,000 (~$363) for electronic payment terminal (TPE), and DZD 48,000 (~$356) for online payment.
The port of Ténès, in the wilaya of Chlef, received a fourth shipment of imported sheep from Spain, totaling more than 16,250 heads, as part of the program to import sacrificial animals in preparation for Eid al-Adha 2026. The Directorate of Agricultural Services confirmed that this operation supports the availability of sacrificial animals and meets national demand during the season. Algeria has diversified its import sources, including Spain, Romania, Brazil, Uruguay, Ireland, and Mauritania, reflecting a robust strategy to secure a stable, healthy, and affordable supply of sheep for the holiday.
Citizens can expect to receive an SMS message with the date, time, and location for acquiring their sheep after registering on adhahi.dz. The Ministry of Agriculture is implementing strict veterinary controls. The newly implemented digital platform will provide real-time tracking of shipments and quotas, allowing citizens to schedule purchases at the nearest points in their wilayas. Kenya is also seeking to export shipments of sheep to Algeria ahead of Eid al-Adha in May 2026, with Algeria's livestock import program potentially requiring up to 1 million sheep.