Rachid Hachichi, CEO of Sonatrach, has reaffirmed the company’s dedication to driving Algeria’s industrial transformation by focusing on developing a leading fertilizer and chemical industry, essential for enhancing the country’s food security. During his visit to the Fertial complex in Annaba, a subsidiary of Sonatrach under the Asmidal Group, Hachichi detailed the company’s strategic roadmap to modernize and expand its petrochemical operations.
Sonatrach’s ambitions to grow a robust fertilizer and chemical sector are integral to Algeria’s broader national efforts to improve agricultural productivity and ensure food security. Hachichi emphasized Sonatrach’s full support for Asmidal’s development plans, which are vital for strengthening Algeria’s food supply.
A key part of this modernization effort includes the renewal of the main ammonia furnace at the Fertial complex, which will increase production capacity while maintaining high safety standards. This project is crucial for Algeria’s self-sufficiency in agricultural inputs and its sustainable development.
In addition to his visit to the Fertial complex, Hachichi inspected the Koudiet Eddraouche desalination plant in El-Tarf, which began preliminary water flow trials on January 1, 2025. The plant is set to supply desalinated water to 3 million residents across several regions, with full production expected to begin on February 7, 2025. This is a critical step in Algeria’s efforts to address its water security challenges.
The Koudiet Eddraouche plant is part of a national program to build five desalination plants, aiming to meet 60% of Algeria’s drinking water needs through desalination by 2030. Hachichi praised the workers involved in the project, highlighting their role in delivering this essential infrastructure ahead of schedule.
