Algeria is speeding up a billion-dollar project to establish water desalination plants in the drought-affected regions of northwestern Algeria, with an aim to provide essential water resources for agriculture in these areas. The project will benefit regions including Tlemcen, Mostaganem, and Chlef and is expected to produce 900,000 cubic meters of fresh water daily. This initiative aligns with Algeria's wider strategy to bolster its desalination capabilities, as it is already recognized as Africa's largest producer of desalinated water.

The initiative is part of a broader 5.4 billion dollar plan previously announced by the Algerian government aimed at increasing access to drinking water and irrigation resources across the country. The CEO of the Algerian Water Desalination Company, Lahcen Bada, emphasized in a press interview the importance of this water production to fortify "strategic sectors" like agriculture and ensure the country's food security. He highlighted that the allocated one billion dollars represents a significant financial commitment to address the urgent need for water security in Algeria.

With water scarcity being a pressing issue, particularly in agricultural regions, this project indicates the Algerian government’s strategic prioritization of water resources. The commitment to desalination is not only viewed as a necessary measure for immediate needs but also as a long-term solution to enhance agricultural sustainability and food production in the face of climatic challenges.