Algeria’s desalination ambitions to come with heavy financial burden

Al-Monitor subscribers

Francisco Serrano

Journalist and analyst specialized in North Africa
 

July 10, 2024

Algerian authorities aim to have a daily desalinated water production of 3.7 million cubic meters by end-2024, and 5.6 million cubic meters by 2030. Regular droughts, coupled with rapid urbanization, have made it increasingly difficult for the country to secure adequate water supplies for both domestic consumption and agricultural production. Higher oil prices from 2022 onward have improved the state’s ability to spend on infrastructure, giving the government a window of opportunity to build critical water infrastructure. However, the long-term costs and lack of private-sector involvement will likely make Algeria’s water program a financial burden on the state over the long term.