Algeria Economic Outlook
A hydrocarbon-dependent economy:
Algeria’s economy is heavily reliant on oil and natural gas, which account for over 90% of export revenues and two-thirds of government income. The country holds significant hydrocarbon reserves, making it a key supplier of energy to Europe. However, its economic dependence on fossil fuels makes Algeria vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil and gas prices.
Challenges in economic diversification:The government has repeatedly pledged to diversify the economy, with efforts to boost agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy. However, bureaucracy, a lack of foreign investment, and a challenging business environment have slowed progress. Import restrictions aimed at promoting local industries have had mixed results, sometimes leading to supply shortages rather than industrial growth.
Unemployment and social pressures:Algeria faces high unemployment, particularly among young people, who make up a large portion of the population. While the government has used subsidies and public sector jobs to maintain social stability, economic reforms are needed to create a more dynamic private sector. Additionally, inflation and purchasing power concerns have fueled periodic protests, highlighting economic discontent.
Algeria’s economic outlook:Algeria’s prospects remain tied to global energy prices, with high oil and gas revenues supporting government spending. However, long-term economic sustainability will depend on successful diversification efforts, attracting foreign investment, and addressing structural economic challenges. Without significant reforms, Algeria risks continued overreliance on hydrocarbons and exposure to energy market volatility.
Algeria's Macroeconomic Analysis:
Nominal GDP of USD 240 billion in 2023.
GDP per capita of USD 5,214 compared to the global average of USD 10,589.
Average real GDP growth of 2.2% over the last decade.
Sector Analysis
In 2022, services accounted for 45.1% of overall GDP, manufacturing 7.8%, other industrial activity 33.9%, and agriculture 13.2%. Looking at GDP by expenditure, private consumption accounted for 41.2% of GDP in 2023, government consumption 16.9%, fixed investment 37.7%, and net exports 4.2%.International trade
In 2017, manufactured products made up 2.7% of total merchandise exports, mineral fuels 96.1%, food 1.0%, ores and metals 0.2% and agricultural raw materials 0.1%, with other categories accounting for -0.1% of the total. In the same period, manufactured products made up 73.0% of total merchandise imports, mineral fuels 4.2%, food 20.2%, ores and metals 1.5% and agricultural raw materials 1.1%, with other goods accounting for 0.0% of the total. Total exports were worth USD 51.40 billion in 2024, while total imports were USD 47.50 billion.Main Economic Indicators
Economic growthThe economy recorded average annual growth of 2.2% in the decade to 2023. To read more about GDP growth in Algeria, go to our dedicated page.
Fiscal policy
Algeria's fiscal deficit averaged 8.1% of GDP in the decade to 2024. Find out more on our dedicated page.
Unemployment
The unemployment rate averaged 11.8% in the decade to 2023. For more information on Algeria's unemployment click here.
Inflation
Inflation averaged 5.2% in the decade to 2024. Go to our Algeria inflation page for extra insight.
Monetary Policy
Algeria's monetary policy rate ended 2024 at 3.00%, down from 4.00% a decade earlier. See our Algeria monetary policy page for additional details.
Exchange Rate
From end-2014 to end-2024 the dinar weakened by 35.2% vs the U.S. dollar. For more info on the dinar, click here.
Economic situation in Algeria
Algeria’s economy appeared to remain robust in the first quarter of 2026, underpinned by the strongest expansion in oil production since Q4 2022. The gas sector also performed well; LNG and natural gas expanded strongly in January-February, with natural gas production hitting a near two-year high in January. Meanwhile, Algeria stands to benefit from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, as elevated energy prices should boost export revenue and alleviate fiscal pressures. Moreover, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a rush among European countries to secure energy supplies, which should solidify Algeria’s role in the global energy market. In a bid to capitalize on this, in April, the government launched bidding for hydrocarbon plots to boost output and attract foreign investment.Algeria Economic Forecasts
Projections out to 2035.48 indicators covered including both annual and quarterly frequencies.
Consensus Forecasts based on a panel of 17 expert analysts.
Want to get insight on the economic outlook for Algeria in the coming years? FocusEconomics collects projections out to 2035 on 48 economic indicators for Algeria from a panel of 17 analysts at the leading national, regional and global forecast institutions. These projections are then validated by our in-house team of economists and data analysts, and averaged to provide one Consensus Forecast you can rely on for each indicator. This means you avoid the risk of relying on out of date, biased or outlier forecasts. Our Consensus Forecasts can be visualized in whichever way best suits your needs, including via interactive online dashboards , direct data delivery and executive-style reports which combine analysts' projections with timely written analysis from our in-house team of economists on the latest developments in the Algeria economy. To download a sample report on the Algeria's economy, click here. To get in touch with our team for more information, fill in the form at the bottom of this page.
Algeria Economic Indicators
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population (million) | 43.9 | 44.6 | 45.3 | 46.0 | 46.6 | 47.3 |
| GDP (USD bn) | 165 | 186 | 225 | 248 | 269 | 285 |
| GDP per capita (USD) | 3,760 | 4,181 | 4,976 | 5,388 | 5,773 | 6,033 |
| GDP (DZD bn) | 20,902 | 25,158 | 32,031 | 33,679 | 36,104 | 37,531 |
| Economic Growth (Nominal GDP, ann. var. %) | -9.5 | 20.4 | 27.3 | 5.1 | 7.2 | 4.0 |
| Economic Growth (GDP, ann. var. %) | -5.1 | 3.9 | 3.6 | 4.2 | 3.7 | 3.5 |
| Private Consumption (ann. var. %) | -4.8 | 1.7 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 3.9 | 3.6 |
| Government Consumption (ann. var. %) | -0.3 | 1.2 | 2.8 | 3.4 | 2.9 | 2.1 |
| Fixed Investment (ann. var. %) | -7.1 | 0.8 | 2.7 | 9.2 | 9.9 | 11.2 |
| Exports (G&S, ann. var. %) | -12.2 | 11.8 | -0.1 | 3.2 | -2.3 | 2.0 |
| Imports (G&S, ann. var. %) | -15.7 | -4.5 | 0.1 | 16.0 | 12.0 | 15.4 |
| Industrial Production (ann. var. %) | -7.9 | 4.8 | 2.4 | 4.4 | 3.7 | - |
| Unemployment (% of active population, aop) | 14.1 | 13.6 | 12.3 | 11.7 | 11.4 | - |
| Fiscal Balance (% of GDP) | -10.5 | -6.3 | -3.0 | -5.2 | -9.3 | -8.6 |
| Public Debt (% of GDP) | 46.0 | 55.1 | 48.1 | 47.7 | 48.1 | 54.1 |
| Money (ann. var. of M2 %) | 7.0 | 13.6 | 14.5 | 5.9 | 9.0 | 7.4 |
| Inflation (CPI, ann. var. %, aop) | 1.3 | 6.6 | 9.7 | 9.3 | 4.8 | 1.8 |
| Discount Rate (%, eop) | 3.00 | 3.00 | 3.00 | 3.00 | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Exchange Rate (DZD per USD, eop) | 132 | 139 | 137 | 134 | 136 | 135 |
| Exchange Rate (DZD per USD, aop) | 127 | 135 | 142 | 136 | 134 | 135 |
| Current Account Balance (USD bn) | -18.2 | -4.5 | 19.5 | 6.5 | -2.8 | -12.1 |
| Current Account Balance (% of GDP) | -11.0 | -2.4 | 8.6 | 2.6 | -1.0 | -4.3 |
| Merchandise Trade Balance (USD bn) | -15.5 | -1.0 | 20.1 | 12.1 | 3.9 | -13.8 |
| Merchandise Exports (USD bn) | 21.9 | 38.4 | 60.3 | 54.8 | 51.4 | 42.6 |
| Merchandise Imports (USD bn) | 37.4 | 39.4 | 40.2 | 42.6 | 47.5 | 56.4 |
| Merchandise Exports (ann. var. %) | -37.9 | 75.3 | 56.9 | -9.2 | -6.1 | -17.2 |
| Merchandise Imports (ann. var. %) | -20.4 | 5.4 | 1.9 | 6.1 | 11.5 | 18.6 |
| Foreign Direct Investment (USD bn) | 1.1 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 1.2 | 1.4 | - |
| International Reserves (USD bn) | 48.9 | 46.1 | 61.7 | 69.7 | 68.4 | 48.1 |
| International Reserves (months of imports) | 15.7 | 14.0 | 18.4 | 19.6 | 17.3 | 10.2 |
| External Debt (USD bn) | 5.2 | 7.4 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 6.9 | 7.6 |
| External Debt (% of GDP) | 3.1 | 4.0 | 3.2 | 3.0 | 2.6 | 2.7 |