Algeria’s state-owned pharmaceutical group Saidal is strengthening oversight of its project to produce raw materials for antibiotics in Harbil, Medea Province. Group CEO Younes Bouarara visited the facility to review progress.
The project forms part of Algeria’s programme to expand domestic pharmaceutical capacity and gradually reduce dependence on imported active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Capacity of up to 750 tonnes per year
The facility is designed to produce up to 750 tonnes of antibiotic raw materials annually. According to the Russian Trade Representation in Algeria, around one quarter of output is expected to meet domestic demand, while the remainder is intended for export, primarily to African markets.
Local production is strategically important for the sector. Algeria’s annual spending on imported antibiotics is estimated at DZD 75.4 billion, while imports of raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry total approximately USD 3 billion.
Opportunities for industrial cooperation
The Saidal project creates demand for manufacturing and laboratory equipment, fermentation and purification technologies, quality-control systems, engineering services and specialist training.
For Russian pharmaceutical and technology companies, the project is relevant within Algeria’s wider localisation programme. The final construction schedule and the date for reaching full production capacity have not yet been disclosed.
Source: Trade Representation of the Russian Federation in Algeria
