Issad Rebrab’s conglomerate Cevital has launched a $600 million sugar beet project aimed at boosting domestic sugar production and reducing Algeria’s dependence on imports. The initiative, announced in 2026, forms part of a broader national strategy to strengthen food security and expand agro-industrial capacity, as reported by Reuters.
The project will involve large-scale sugar beet cultivation alongside the development of processing facilities capable of refining locally produced sugar. Officials say the investment is expected to create thousands of jobs while supporting agricultural development in underserved regions of the country.
Algeria remains one of the region’s largest sugar importers, making food import substitution a key government priority amid global commodity price volatility and supply chain disruptions. Analysts note that expanding local agricultural processing has become increasingly important as North African economies seek to improve resilience and conserve foreign exchange reserves.
For Cevital, the investment reinforces its position as one of Africa’s largest privately owned industrial groups, with operations spanning food processing, steel, glass manufacturing, and retail. Market watchers say the project could significantly reshape Algeria’s sugar market if production targets are achieved and supply chains are effectively integrated.
