Overview

Algeria’s 2019 Voluntary National Review (VNR) provides a comprehensive overview of national progress towards the 2030 Agenda, reflecting the country’s long-standing commitment to social justice, human development, and solidarity. It highlights notable achievements in reducing extreme poverty, improving access to health, education, water, and energy, and strengthening legal frameworks for gender equality and human rights, while recognising ongoing structural challenges such as unemployment, regional inequalities, pressure on natural resources, and the need for faster economic diversification beyond hydrocarbons. Covering Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1– 17 in depth, the report positions the SDGs as both a continuation of past development strategies and a platform for renewed reform, with Algeria emphasising its role as an active partner in international and South–South cooperation.

Recommendations

Economic Diversification and Employment: Algeria’s continued dependence on hydrocarbons limits resilience and job creation, particularly for youth. Expanding competitive non-oil sectors is essential to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth.
Targeting and Sustainability of Social Protection: Generalised subsidies remain costly and insufficiently targeted. In a tighter fiscal context, better-designed social registries and targeted support are necessary to protect vulnerable households effectively.
Regional and Social Inequalities: Significant disparities persist between regions and social groups, especially affecting rural communities, youth, women, and informal workers. These gaps hinder balanced development and social cohesion.
Environmental Pressure and Climate Risks: Land degradation, water stress, and climate variability pose growing threats to agriculture, ecosystems, and human settlements. Stronger adaptation measures and environmental management are urgently needed.
Heavy Reliance on Hydrocarbon Revenues: Development financing remains vulnerable to volatile oil prices. With a tax-to-GDP ratio of ~14%, domestic resource mobilisation is limited and requires structural reforms to ensure sustainable financing.
Insufficient Data for SDG Monitoring: Only ~71 of the 232 SDG indicators are currently available, creating major blind spots for policymaking. Improved coordination and strengthened statistical capacity are essential for producing timely, disaggregated data.
Limited International Economic Integration: Low non-oil exports and pending WTO accession restrict Algeria’s ability to benefit from global trade, investment, and technology transfer. Cautious trade policies continue to limit diversification.
Underdeveloped Partnerships with Civil Society and the Private Sector: The state’s dominant role has limited the structured involvement of NGOs and businesses in SDG implementation. More systematic engagement is needed to leverage their innovation and expertise.
Complex Administrative and Regulatory Environment: Bureaucratic hurdles, slow procedures, and regulatory opacity deter investment and slow development initiatives. Further simplification and transparency reforms would strengthen competitiveness.
Governance and Institutional Capacity: Continued modernisation of public administration, improved interministerial coordination, and stronger transparency and participation mechanisms are required for effective SDG delivery.
Data and Statistical System Gaps: Despite progress, weaknesses in disaggregated and sectoral data persist. More robust data systems are needed to support evidence-based decision-making and accurate SDG tracking.

Conclusion

Algeria’s 2019 Voluntary National Review highlights significant social progress, including major reductions in extreme poverty, wider access to essential services, and improved health and education outcomes, driven by long-term public investment and a strong commitment to social justice. At the same time, it acknowledges persistent structural challenges such as unemployment, the need for economic diversification, environmental pressures, regional inequalities, and the importance of more targeted social protection and stronger data systems. Looking ahead to 2030, Algeria’s capacity to safeguard its social achievements while modernising its economic model and enhancing environmental resilience will shape the lasting impact of its SDG progress. With continued institutional reform, investment in human capital, and deeper domestic and international partnerships, the country is well placed to advance towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future aligned with the 2030 Agenda.

SDGs Progress Tracker

Voluntary National Reports

Country Focal Point

Mrs Salima ABDELHAK
Director MFA
Focal Point for Algeria VNR

Location

Algiers, Algeria

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Region

No Poverty

Score: 4
Justification	Algeria has achieved significant progress in reducing monetary poverty, especially extreme poverty. Between 1995 and 2011, extreme poverty declined from 5.7% to 0.5%, and overall poverty levels fell sharply, helping position the country within the high human development category. Its national SDG 1 strategy extends beyond income, prioritising access to social protection, essential services, and resilience to economic and environmental shocks.
Challenges	Despite the gains, around 180,000 Algerians still live in extreme poverty, and one in twenty remains poor. Vulnerable groups—including informal workers, rural communities, and households in fragile regions—face heightened poverty risks. Inefficiencies in subsidy systems and targeting mechanisms contribute to leakages and reduce the effectiveness of support. In addition, fiscal pressures arising from lower hydrocarbon revenues limit the scope for maintaining broad social spending.
Progress/ Solution	An extensive social protection system has been established, covering social security, solidarity programmes, and subsidies that ensure affordable access to basic services. Public investment in housing, electrification, gas distribution, water supply, and sanitation has considerably improved living standards, reflected in 99% electricity connection and 91% connection to public sanitation networks. Employment programmes and infrastructure development continue to support income opportunities and social inclusion.
Unsolved Challenges	Key unresolved issues include shifting from generalised subsidies towards a more targeted, efficient, and fiscally sustainable social protection model. Strengthening data systems and social registries, improving the alignment of labour market measures with social assistance, and addressing emerging threats linked to climate change and economic volatility remain essential priorities.

Zero Hunger

Score: 4
Justification	Algeria has effectively addressed food insecurity and undernourishment through social policies and agricultural development. The Voluntary National Review (VNR) reports that the country has eliminated extreme poverty and made strong progress in human development, earning recognition from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2013 and 2015 for advances in food security and hunger reduction. Agriculture and rural development are integrated into national development plans to ensure sufficient, healthy nutrition for the population.
Challenges	Key challenges include boosting agricultural productivity amid climatic constraints, land degradation, and pressure on water resources. Ensuring sustainable management of soils, rangelands, and water, alongside expanding resilient agricultural practices, is essential for maintaining food security. Structural weaknesses also persist, including reliance on food imports for certain staples, exposure to global price volatility, and remaining pockets of rural poverty.
Progress/ Solution	The government supports farmers through subsidised credit, risk management tools, and investment in rural infrastructure, irrigation, and value chains. Dedicated financing schemes—such as credit for cereal farmers and investment credit for modernisation and new farms—and a mutual agricultural insurance system help protect farmers against climatic and market risks. Public investment in fisheries and aquaculture, including thousands of planned projects and major port infrastructure, further diversifies food sources and strengthens rural employment.
Unsolved Challenges	To fully achieve SDG 2, Algeria must intensify efforts to build sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture, improve value addition and diversification, and reinforce nutrition-sensitive policies. Continuing data gaps on nutrition outcomes and food system performance hinder accurate monitoring and limit the effectiveness of targeted interventions.

Good Health

Score: 3
Justification	Algeria’s health situation has improved significantly over recent decades. The “free medicine” model of universal access, supported by sustained investment in health infrastructure and human resources, has reduced the general mortality rate from more than 16 per thousand in the 1970s to less than 5 per thousand in 2018. Life expectancy has increased to around 77.7 years (78.4 for women, 77.1 for men). Communicable diseases have declined due to national prevention programmes, improved coverage, and rising living standards.
Challenges	The epidemiological transition has led to rising rates of non-communicable diseases—including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancers—linked to lifestyle changes, ageing, and urbanisation. Persistent risk factors such as tobacco use, poor diet, and physical inactivity remain widespread. The health system also faces challenges in maintaining quality of care, ensuring equitable access in remote areas, and modernising health information systems.
Progress/ Solution	The health law reinforces the right to free access to care and defines State responsibility for public health. Algeria has strengthened its health infrastructure, increasing beds per 1,000 inhabitants and expanding a wide network of polyclinics and health centres. The government allocates around 6% of the general budget and about 3% of GDP to health, supporting modernisation of equipment and facilities. Preventive programmes target maternal and child health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health, and substance abuse, complemented by anti-tobacco measures and health promotion campaigns.
Unsolved Challenges	Key priorities to 2030 include strengthening surveillance systems for anticipation, early detection, and rapid response; enhancing digital health and data platforms, including big data tools; securing sustainable health financing; and further reducing mortality from NCDs. Persistent disparities in access and service quality, particularly between urban and rural areas, continue to require focused attention.

Quality Education

Score: 3
Justification	Education is considered a strategic investment for social emancipation and economic prosperity. Algeria achieved the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) on universal primary education and gender parity. The VNR reports a gross enrolment rate of 97.33% in primary education and 96.27% in lower secondary in 2018–2019, with more than 9.2 million students enrolled across all levels. Education is free from pre-primary to university, and basic education (ages 6–16) is compulsory.
Challenges	The principal challenge has shifted from access to quality, relevance, and system performance. Aligning skills with labour market needs, improving learning outcomes, and reducing inequalities are essential. Persisting issues include managing drop-out and repetition, supporting disadvantaged and rural students, and ensuring adequate infrastructure and teacher quality across a large, diverse system.
Progress/ Solution	Reforms are guided by the strategic framework “L’École algérienne: les défis et la qualité”, which focuses on quality and performance. Institutional bodies such as the National Council of Education and Training, the National Observatory of Education and Training, the National Institute for Educational Research, and the National Council of Programmes contribute expertise and evaluation. Key measures include identifying non-enrolled and dropout children, mapping descolarisation, creating re-schooling mechanisms, and using a national education information system to monitor performance and strengthen core subject outcomes.
Unsolved Challenges	To fully achieve SDG 4, Algeria must continue improving learning outcomes, reinforce teacher training, and guarantee equal opportunities for children with disabilities and disadvantaged groups. Greater integration of ICT and innovative pedagogy is required, alongside sustained enhancement of monitoring and evaluation systems to support data-driven policy decisions.

Gender Equality

Score: 3
Justification	Algeria formally recognises equality between women and men as a fundamental right. The Constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and guarantees equal treatment before the law. The country has ratified major international instruments on women’s rights and political participation and has progressively aligned its legal framework with these commitments.
Challenges	Despite a solid legal framework, gender gaps remain in labour market participation, leadership positions, and economic empowerment. Violence against women continues to be a concern, requiring stronger prevention and support systems. Social norms and stereotypes still restrict women’s full exercise of rights, and gaps persist in sex-disaggregated data across several sectors.
Progress/ Solution	Key reforms include amendments to the Family Code—raising the minimum marriage age to 19 for both sexes, reducing early marriages, and strengthening free consent—along with recognition of maternal transmission of nationality and obligations for divorced fathers to provide decent housing or rent for custodial mothers. Organic Law No. 12-03 promotes women’s access to elected assemblies, while bodies such as the National Council for the Family and Women and the National Centre for Studies, Information, and Documentation on Women support policy development.
Unsolved Challenges	Priority actions include fully operationalising gender mainstreaming, increasing women’s representation in decision-making roles, strengthening services for survivors of violence, and improving gender statistics. Ensuring that legal progress translates into real, everyday improvements for all women and girls—particularly in rural and vulnerable communities—remains essential to achieving SDG 5.

Water & Sanitation

Score:4
Justification	Algeria has made substantial investments in water supply, sanitation, and resource management, recognising the vital importance of water in a semi-arid environment. By 2016, household connection to public sanitation networks reached around 91%, and access to safe drinking water expanded considerably. The VNR highlights integrated water resources management—combining dams, desalination, and groundwater mobilisation—to secure drinking water and support economic activities.
Challenges	Water resources face increasing pressure from climate variability, recurrent droughts, and demographic growth. Long-term sustainability depends on better demand management, reducing network losses, and enhancing wastewater treatment and reuse. Rural and remote communities may experience heightened supply difficulties, and stronger coordination across sectors—agriculture, industry, and urban development—is required.
Progress/ Solution	National programmes aim to ensure universal and equitable access to drinking water at affordable cost, while expanding and rehabilitating sanitation networks and protecting water resources. The Ministry of Water Resources, supported by the Integrated Water Resources Management Agency and river basin agencies, leads strategy development, monitoring, and regulation. Public awareness campaigns on water conservation and environmental protection are delivered in collaboration with the education sector and civil society.
Unsolved Challenges	Future priorities include improving the efficiency and resilience of water systems, accelerating wastewater treatment and reuse, and strengthening data collection and forecasting. Integrating climate adaptation into all water-related planning remains essential, alongside ensuring affordable and reliable access for all regions, including isolated communities.

Clean Energy

Score: 3
Justification	Algeria has achieved near-universal access to modern energy services, with 99% of households connected to electricity and 57% to gas networks, the result of substantial public investment in energy infrastructure. Affordable energy provision has long been central to social policy, supporting both living standards and economic activity.
Challenges	The energy mix remains heavily dominated by fossil fuels, creating the need to balance energy security, affordability, and environmental sustainability. Fluctuating hydrocarbon revenues constrain fiscal space, and rising domestic demand places increasing pressure on energy systems. Progress in renewable energy and energy efficiency remains at an early stage.
Progress/ Solution	Policies and programmes have been introduced to promote renewable energy deployment and improve energy efficiency. While the VNR focuses mainly on access indicators, Algeria’s wider sustainable development framework acknowledges the strategic role of clean energy in advancing climate action and economic diversification.
Unsolved Challenges	Key unresolved issues include accelerating the clean energy transition, scaling up renewable investments, and embedding energy efficiency across all sectors. Strengthening data systems, regulatory frameworks, and incentive structures will be essential to fully align the energy sector with SDG 7 and national climate objectives.

Decent Work

Score: 3
Justification	Algeria has attained relatively high levels of human development, supported by steady GDP growth in the mid-2010s (around 2–3% annually), low external public debt (2.3% of GDP in 2017), and substantial public investment. Employment policies and active labour market programmes have been introduced to promote youth employment, entrepreneurship, and formalisation.
Challenges	Unemployment—particularly among youth and women—remains a persistent issue. Economic reliance on hydrocarbons continues to expose the country to external price shocks. The private sector struggles to generate enough productive and decent jobs, while informality limits social protection coverage and reduces productivity.
Progress/ Solution	The government supports job creation through active labour market programmes, entrepreneurship schemes, and investment in economic infrastructure to stimulate diversification. Employment-linked social protection, including social security and unemployment insurance, strengthens resilience. Vocational training and continuous learning systems help develop relevant skills, backed by specialised institutions in the training sector.
Unsolved Challenges	Future progress requires deeper economic diversification, an improved business climate, and greater private investment. Aligning education and training outcomes with labour market needs is essential. Reducing unemployment among young graduates and improving job quality through formalisation, social protection, and stronger labour rights remain key priorities.

Industry & Infrastructure

Score: 3
Justification	Algeria has allocated substantial resources to infrastructure development—transport, energy, water, health, and education—through broad national investment programmes. Industrial policy seeks to strengthen productive sectors, promote value-added activities, and support balanced regional development.
Challenges	The industrial base remains insufficiently diversified, with strong dependence on hydrocarbons and limited participation in global value chains. Innovation systems, research–industry collaboration, and technology adoption are not yet fully developed. Infrastructure gaps persist in certain regions, and growing networks raise maintenance and efficiency challenges.
Progress/ Solution	Public investment has expanded road networks, ports, and key social infrastructure. Sectoral programmes provide support to agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, and services, while financial instruments and dedicated institutions encourage productive investment, including in rural areas and across value chains.
Unsolved Challenges	To fully achieve SDG 9, Algeria must reinforce its innovation ecosystem, stimulate private R&D and technological upgrading, and integrate small and medium enterprises into industrial strategies. Strengthening logistics, digital infrastructure, and regulatory stability will be essential to support industrial diversification and enhance competitiveness.

Inequality

Score: 3
Justification	Algeria’s development strategy prioritises social justice and equal opportunity, backed by redistributive policies, free education and health, and extensive subsidies for basic goods and services. The Gini coefficient of 27.6% in 2011 reflects relatively moderate income inequality compared with many countries.
Challenges	Regional disparities remain significant between coastal, high plateau, and southern areas, as well as between urban and rural zones. Youth, women, and certain rural communities face higher risks of unemployment, poverty, and social exclusion. Generalised subsidies, although supportive of equity, are not well targeted and can disproportionately benefit higher-income groups.
Progress/ Solution	Social protection measures and investment in public services have reduced extreme poverty and widened access to essential services across the country. Targeted programmes for vulnerable groups—such as social housing, solidarity allowances, and employment schemes—enhance inclusion. Legal and institutional frameworks supporting gender equality and disability inclusion further advance SDG 10 objectives.
Unsolved Challenges	Achieving deeper equity requires more effectively targeted social programmes, reducing regional imbalances, and ensuring that economic growth and diversification lead to inclusive opportunities. Strengthening disaggregated data—by region, gender, age, and disability—is essential to better identify and address remaining inequalities.

Sustainable Cities

Score:3
Justification	Algeria has made sustainable cities and communities a development priority, centred on adequate housing and improved urban infrastructure. Over the past two decades, it implemented one of the world’s largest public housing construction programmes. Between 1999 and 2019, millions of housing units were built or financed by the state, significantly reducing slums and improving living conditions. In the 2015–2019 plan alone, the government targeted 1.6 million new units, and by 2018 had delivered more than 680,000 urban units and 470,000 rural homes. These investments, alongside expanded public transport networks, widespread access to water and sanitation, and disaster-risk measures, justify strong progress under SDG 11.
Challenges	Rapid urbanisation—rising from around 50% in 1990 to about 72% in 2018—continues to strain mobility, housing management, and environmental quality. Traffic congestion, air pollution, and urban sprawl remain significant concerns. Maintenance of newly delivered housing estates and infrastructure is uneven, and waste management and recycling systems are still limited. Spatial inequalities persist, including peri-urban areas with weaker connectivity or services, and some heritage sites and green spaces face pressure from expansion.
Progress/ Solution	The government’s housing schemes— Logement Public Locatif (Public Rental Housing) (LPL), Logement Promotionnel Aidé (Aided Promotional Housing) (LPA), Agence Nationale de l’Amélioration et du Développement du Logement (National Agency for Housing Improvement and Development – Rental-Purchase Housing Programme) (AADL), Logement Promotionnel Public (Public Promotional Housing) (LPP), and rural housing support—have eradicated much precarious housing and provided options for all income groups. Urban master plans, low public transport tariffs, and major investments in metros, tramways, and buses have strengthened mobility. Cities have improved amenities through new health, education, cultural, and sports facilities, while updated seismic codes, flood-prevention works, and civil protection units enhance resilience. Environmental efforts such as waste-sorting pilots, solar-powered street lighting, and reforestation complement these gains.
Unsolved Challenges	Algeria must enhance integrated mobility systems, including metro extensions, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) options, and improved intermodal links. Informal or semi-formal urban zones require upgrading to ensure equitable service provision. Climate adaptation—cooling green spaces, energy-efficient buildings, and resilient water supply—needs greater emphasis. Stronger community participation in planning and upkeep, alongside continued enforcement of building codes and heritage protection, will be key to sustaining progress on SDG 11.

Responsible Consumption

Score :3
Justification	Algeria has only recently begun integrating sustainable consumption and production (SCP) into its development model, a shift acknowledged in the VNR, which notes that SCP is “relatively new” compared to the MDGs. Historically, heavy subsidies and low resource prices encouraged high consumption and limited efficiency. The country’s material footprint per capita stood at 2.99 tons in 2017, and 0.62 kg per $ (2005) of GDP, indicating moderate efficiency but significant potential for improvement. Initial steps—such as phasing out leaded petrol in 2015, promoting renewable energy and cleaner industrial processes, and raising awareness of food waste—demonstrate growing commitment to SCP principles.
Challenges	The transition remains difficult due to high resource intensity driven by subsidised water, fuel, and electricity, leading to inefficiency in households, agriculture, and industry. Waste management is dominated by landfilling, with recycling rates below 10% and limited sorting infrastructure. Industrial pollution persists where older technologies remain in use, and regulatory enforcement varies. Cultural habits—such as significant food waste, especially during Ramadan, and reliance on single-use plastics and private cars—also hinder rapid progress, making behavioural change as essential as technical solutions.
Progress/ Solution	Algeria has incorporated SCP into national policy through strategies such as the SNDD (2019) and participation in international initiatives including the 10YFP and Arab SCP Initiative. Early measures include modest subsidy reforms, energy efficiency programmes led by APRUE, and broader use of Light Emitting Diode (LED) and solar lighting. Waste initiatives have introduced modern landfills, new sorting centres, and early recycling markets, alongside bans on thin plastic bags in supermarkets. Cleaner production norms, Extended Producer Responsibility measures, and promotion of drip irrigation, biological pest control, and reduced post-harvest losses further support emerging SCP practices across sectors.
Unsolved Challenges	Strengthening SCP will require scaling up circular economy models, significantly expanding recycling systems, and improving waste sorting infrastructure. Green public procurement could stimulate markets for sustainable products, while sustained public education is needed to encourage resource conservation and reduce waste. Better incentives and financing for SMEs to adopt greener practices, alongside support for environmental audits and eco-innovation, will be essential. Embedding SCP across all sectors remains a long-term task requiring robust data, stronger regulation, and deeper private sector engagement.

Climate Action

Score:3
Justification	Algeria recognises that climate change presents severe risks to its sustainable development, with the VNR highlighting its commitment to climate action as part of a broader sustainable development approach. The country has already experienced more frequent droughts, desertification, and intense rainfall leading to floods. Algeria ratified the Paris Agreement and submitted a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targeting a 7–22% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, conditional on support. With emissions at around 3.8 tons CO₂ per capita in 2015 and a continued reliance on hydrocarbons, climate action remains essential yet challenging, justifying a moderate level of progress.
Challenges	Economic dependence on oil and gas poses structural obstacles to emission reduction, as diversifying the energy mix and wider economy is a long-term process. Adaptation needs—such as water scarcity management, agricultural protection, and coastal resilience—require significant financial resources. Institutional coordination, although improving, remains uneven, and public awareness is mixed, with climate often seen as secondary to economic concerns. Data gaps persist, including incomplete GHG inventories and limited local climate impact assessments, affecting evidence-based policymaking.
Progress/ Solution	Algeria has adopted the National Climate Plan (PNC) and integrated climate considerations across key sectoral policies, including transport, energy, agriculture, and the environment. Adaptation measures include expanding the National Reforestation Programme, relaunching the “Green Dam,” strengthening flood prevention plans, and investing in desalination and new dams to manage drought risk. Mitigation efforts feature reduced flaring (from ~79% to 8%), expansion of solar PV (over 350 MW by 2019), a 1.3 GW solar tender, and promotion of LPG/CNG vehicles. Education, early warning systems, and capacity-building initiatives further reinforce Algeria’s climate response.
Unsolved Challenges	Climate action will require accelerating the energy transition, including more ambitious renewable deployment and exploring emerging opportunities such as green hydrogen. Local, sector-specific adaptation plans are needed to strengthen resilience in vulnerable regions. Greater public engagement is essential to support behavioural change and acceptance of climate-related reforms. Finally, developing a comprehensive Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system and enhancing climate data and modelling capacity will be critical to track progress towards SDG 13 and Algeria’s 2030 NDC commitments.

Life Below Water

Score 3
Justification	Algeria, with a Mediterranean coastline over 1,200 km long, recognises the strategic importance of marine resources for fisheries, livelihoods, and biodiversity. Although SDG 14 did not receive a detailed dedicated discussion in the VNR, the report references national efforts to reduce marine pollution and protect coastal ecosystems. Measures such as the National Action Plan (NAP) for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Sources of Pollution and the Tel Bahr system for responding to accidental marine pollution demonstrate Algeria’s commitment. The fisheries sector, largely artisanal, operates under quotas and seasonal restrictions, and Algeria is party to the Barcelona Convention, committing to Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Progress has begun, though MPA coverage remains limited, such as the Habibas Islands MPA.
Challenges	Coastal pollution from wastewater, plastics, and industrial effluents continues to affect marine habitats, and full treatment coverage in major cities remains incomplete. Overfishing persists due to thousands of small artisanal boats and limited monitoring and enforcement capacity. Marine biodiversity protection is hindered by very low MPA coverage—about 0.1%—and insufficient resources for enforcement and scientific management. Climate change impacts, including warming seas and emerging invasive species, add further stress. Limited public awareness and occasional weak environmental controls in coastal development also constrain progress.
Progress/ Solution	Efforts to curb coastal pollution are underway through the implementation of the NAP, expansion of wastewater treatment plants, and improved regulation of industrial discharges. The Tel Bahr contingency system supports coordinated responses to oil spills. Sustainable fisheries policies, guided by law 01-11, include no-fishing seasons and support for aquaculture projects to reduce pressure on wild stocks. Pilot MPAs, habitat mapping initiatives such as Posidonia seagrass surveys, and the application of the Coastal Law demonstrate growing attention to conservation. Algeria also engages actively in regional cooperation under the Barcelona Convention and with bodies such as International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) and the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM).
Unsolved Challenges	Algeria needs to prioritise expanding and effectively managing MPAs, ensuring adequate funding, community participation, and enforcement. Strengthening marine research and data systems—particularly through institutions such as INRH—is essential for tracking fish stocks, water quality, and climate impacts. Increasing public engagement in coastal stewardship through education, community initiatives, and sustainable tourism development will help reduce pollution and build support for conservation. Finally, adaptive management strategies are required to address climate-driven changes in marine ecosystems and to ensure the long-term sustainability of fisheries and coastal resources.

Life on Land

Score :3
Justification	Algeria places strong emphasis on protecting terrestrial ecosystems, combatting desertification, and preserving biodiversity, supported by decades of national land-management experience. The country has implemented major frameworks such as the National Reforestation Plan (PNR) launched in 2000 to reforest 1.25 million hectares, the National Action Plan to Combat Desertification (PAN-LCD), and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2016–2030) with 113 actions. Forest cover, although modest at 4.1 million ha (~17%), has been increasing thanks to annual reforestation campaigns. Protected areas now include 11 national parks and reserves covering about 38,000 km² (~1.6% of land). Algeria’s 2016 constitutional amendment, embedding sustainable development and environmental protection, strengthens the justification for its high SDG 15 score.
Challenges	Desertification continues to threaten steppe regions due to overgrazing and climate stress, while parts of the “Green Dam” have deteriorated and require rehabilitation. Recurrent wildfires, intensified by hotter and drier summers, have caused major ecological losses, especially in 2021 and 2022. Biodiversity remains under pressure from poaching, habitat fragmentation, and invasive species, with critically endangered fauna such as the Saharan cheetah facing severe decline. Enforcement challenges persist due to limited resources across Algeria’s vast territory, and environmental budgets remain vulnerable to fluctuations linked to the hydrocarbons-based economy.
Progress/ Solution	Reforestation has expanded significantly, with hundreds of millions of trees planted under the PNR and revitalisation of the historic “Green Dam” to curb desert spread. Desertification is addressed through steppe regeneration, rotational grazing, dune stabilisation, and arid-zone research led by CRSTRA. Protected areas are being strengthened through improved management, ecological monitoring, and species reintroductions, such as the Barbary red deer in El Kala National Park and Saharan ostrich breeding in the Saoura region. Wildlife protection has improved through CITES enforcement and breeding programmes for endangered species like the Scimitar oryx and Addax. Intersectoral committees and public works programmes also support sustainable land management and community participation.
Unsolved Challenges	Further expansion and ecological connectivity of protected areas are needed, alongside enhanced funding mechanisms such as ecosystem services payments or carbon finance to sustain long-term restoration. Wildfire management requires more robust early-warning systems, community-based response units, and improved fuel-reduction strategies. Stronger scientific monitoring is essential to track ecosystem trends, including deforestation rates and species populations. Increased international cooperation and research partnerships would support capacity building and help Algeria consolidate the gains it has made under SDG 15.

Peace & Justice

Score:3
Justification	Algeria places strong emphasis on peace, stability, and accountable institutions, shaped by its experience of civil conflict in the 1990s and subsequent national reconciliation in the 2000s. The VNR underscores that Agenda 2030’s call for peaceful and inclusive societies aligns with Algeria’s trajectory of restoring internal stability and reducing violence. Crime remains relatively low, with a homicide rate of 1.4 per 100,000, while the 2016 constitutional amendments reinforced fundamental rights, freedom of the press, the right to information, and created the National Body for Prevention and Fight against Corruption. Reforms to expand justice access, such as new courts and legal aid, together with digitisation of administrative services and decentralised local governance, demonstrate substantive engagement with SDG 16. Regional peace efforts, including mediation in Mali and hosting talks for Libya, further justify a moderate score.
Challenges	Bureaucratic inefficiencies persist despite reforms, with slow administrative procedures and centralised structures limiting efficiency. Transparency gaps remain, reflected in Algeria’s 36/100 score in the 2020 CPI, and corruption continues to affect sectors such as customs and public procurement. Civil liberties face constraints: freedom of assembly and association can be limited, and media operate with some pressures, particularly post-Hirak. Data availability on justice performance—such as pre-trial detention rates and court backlogs—remains insufficient, hindering evidence-based reforms.
Progress/ Solution	Algeria has advanced legal and judicial reforms, updating criminal legislation to address cybercrime and violence against women and reinforcing judicial independence in the constitution. Courts have expanded to remote areas, supported by training for judges and police, often with international partners. Anti-corruption measures include enforcement of the UN Convention Against Corruption, investigations by the Office Central de la Prévention et de la Lutte contre la Corruption (Central Office for the Prevention and Fight against Corruption) (OCPLC), high-profile prosecutions, and an online public procurement portal improving transparency. Public security remains strong due to community policing, counter-terrorism strategies, and strengthened border control. Institutional modernisation is progressing through e-governance, biometric IDs, and decentralised authority to communes, while Algeria contributes to security cooperation via INTERPOL, mutual legal assistance agreements, and AFRIPOL, headquartered in Algiers.
Unsolved Challenges	Algeria would benefit from deeper civic engagement mechanisms, such as institutionalised dialogue platforms for civil society, youth, and opposition groups. Continued reinforcement of judicial independence and efficiency, including wider use of alternative dispute resolution, is needed. Expanding human rights training for law enforcement and regularly publishing accountability data would strengthen public trust. Finally, systematic monitoring tools—citizen satisfaction surveys, performance metrics, and transparent justice data—would help identify bottlenecks and guide further strengthening of institutions in line with SDG 16.

Partnerships

Score:3
Justification	Algeria places strong emphasis on partnerships as a foundation for achieving the SDGs, consistent with the universal nature of Agenda 2030. The inclusive preparation of its VNR—drawing on ministries, civil society, the private sector, and UN partners—illustrates a whole-of-society approach. National coordination structures, such as the interministerial committee on SDGs, help align domestic efforts. Internationally, Algeria has a long tradition of South–South cooperation, including training thousands of African students, providing medical aid, and forgiving debt for least developed African nations. Although not a traditional donor, the country consistently advocates for fair trade, technology transfer, and better financing for developing countries, particularly through the G77. These combined actions justify a moderate assessment of progress.
Challenges	Despite these efforts, several obstacles persist. The country’s development model remains heavily dependent on oil revenues, and with a tax-to-GDP ratio of ~14%, domestic resource mobilisation needs strengthening. International economic integration is limited, with non-oil exports remaining low and WTO accession still pending. Data gaps also remain significant, with only ~71 of the 232 SDG indicators available. Partnerships with the private sector and civil society are not yet systematic, reflecting the historical dominance of the state. These factors hinder the full realisation of SDG 17.
Progress/ Solution	Algeria has expanded institutional frameworks for partnership, including the National Economic and Social Council (CNES) and the Sustainable Development Goals Committee, as well as multi-stakeholder consultations during the VNR process. South–South and triangular cooperation remain notable strengths, with Algeria hosting and aiding over 170,000 Sahrawi refugees and contributing medical support during crises such as the Ebola outbreak and COVID-19. Public-private partnerships have started to advance infrastructure and renewable energy, and partnerships in telecoms have improved connectivity. Statistical capacity has been enhanced through engagement with the African Statistical System, UN agencies, and the launch of the Open Data portal (data.gov.dz), while international technology cooperation continues through agreements with the EU, China, and others.
Unsolved Challenges	Algeria still needs to broaden and diversify financing options, deepen data availability, and strengthen mechanisms for engaging NGOs and businesses in development initiatives. More robust national platforms for SDG partnerships and better coordination of external support could boost impact. Enhanced participation in regional integration efforts, including the African Continental Free Trade Area, remains unrealised but could generate major gains. Encouraging corporate social responsibility and local philanthropy also remains underdeveloped. Addressing these gaps will be essential for Algeria to achieve stronger and more inclusive partnership outcomes under SDG 17.

SDGs World Progress: On-Track

SDGs World Progress: Moderately Off-Track

SDGs World Progress: Off-Track

SDG5
SDG1

Country Challenges

Economic Diversification and Employment: Heavy dependence on hydrocarbons and persistent youth unemployment continue to limit inclusive growth and economic resilience. Algeria’s development financing remains vulnerable to oil price fluctuations, with a tax-to-GDP ratio of ~14% underscoring the need for stronger domestic resource mobilisation.
Targeting and Sustainability of Social Protection: Generalised subsidies and broad-based schemes are costly and insufficiently targeted. In a tighter fiscal context, improving the precision of support to the most vulnerable is essential for long-term sustainability.
Regional and Social Inequalities: Significant disparities persist between regions and social groups, particularly affecting rural populations, youth, women, and informal workers. These gaps hinder balanced territorial development and social cohesion.
Environmental Pressure and Climate Risks: variability threaten agriculture, ecosystems, and human settlements. These pressures amplify vulnerability and require stronger adaptation measures.
Insufficient Data for SDG Monitoring: Only ~71 of the 232 SDG indicators are currently available, creating major gaps in evidence-based decision-making. Strengthened statistical capacity and improved coordination among ministries are needed to produce timely, disaggregated data.
Limited International Economic Integration: Low non-oil exports and the still-pending WTO accession reduce Algeria’s ability to benefit from global trade, technology transfer, and investment. Cautious trade policies continue to constrain diversification opportunities.
Underdeveloped Partnerships with Civil Society and the Private Sector: The state’s dominant role means NGOs and businesses are not yet systematically engaged in SDG implementation. Stronger, institutionalised mechanisms for dialogue and collaboration are needed.
Complex Administrative and Regulatory Environment: Bureaucratic procedures and regulatory complexity discourage foreign investment and weaken partnership efforts. Further simplification and increased transparency would improve the business environment.
Data and Statistical Systems: Despite progress, gaps remain in disaggregated and sector-specific data, complicating SDG monitoring and limiting the ability to design targeted policies.
Governance and Institutional Capacity: Continued modernisation of public administration, improved cross-sector coordination, and stronger transparency and participation mechanisms are necessary to enhance overall governance effectiveness.

World Challenges

Country Lessons Learned

Long-Term National Vision Supports Stability and Progress: Algeria shows that sustained political commitment—rooted in constitutional principles and long-term strategies—helps maintain continuity through economic or political shifts. Stable direction enables consistent SDG implementation.
Inclusive VNR Preparation Strengthens National Ownership: Engaging ministries, civil society, the private sector, and UN partners fosters a genuine “whole-of-society” approach. Broad participation increases legitimacy and shared responsibility for achieving national SDG targets.
Diversification Is Essential for Economic Resilience: Heavy reliance on hydrocarbons illustrates the risks of depending on a single sector. Early and sustained diversification helps create jobs, stabilise growth, and reduce vulnerability to external shocks.
Targeted Social Protection Enhances Equity and Sustainability: Algeria’s experience with generalised subsidies shows that universal schemes can be expensive and inefficient. Targeting support more precisely improves equity while protecting fiscal stability.
Social Investment Delivers Tangible Results: Continued investment in education, health, housing, and basic services contributes to reductions in extreme poverty and steady improvements in human development outcomes.
Legal Reforms Need Strong Implementation: Advances in areas such as gender equality, education, and health provide a solid framework, but consistent enforcement and follow-through are essential to translate reforms into real improvements in people’s daily lives.
Stronger Data Systems Improve Policy Decisions: With only ~71 of the 232 SDG indicators currently available, Algeria’s case demonstrates how data gaps can limit evidence-based policymaking. Reinforcing national statistical systems and thematic groups is vital for accurate monitoring.
Integrated Approaches Boost Impact: Progress in poverty reduction, food security, health, and education is closely linked. Coordinated policies connecting social protection, employment, and service delivery generate stronger and more sustainable outcomes.
Environmental and Climate Dimensions Must Be Mainstreamed: Issues such as land degradation, water stress, and climate variability require integrated planning across all sectors. Long-term strategies and early-warning systems help safeguard development gains.
Partnerships Multiply Impact: Collaboration with African countries, multilateral institutions, and domestic stakeholders demonstrates that effective partnerships—whether South–South, public-private, or community-based—expand knowledge, capacity, and resources.
Administrative Modernisation Underpins Effective Delivery: Digitising public services, simplifying procedures, and improving governance increase transparency and efficiency. Modern administration helps countries accelerate SDG implementation and respond more effectively to citizens’ needs.

World Lessons Learned

Country Contribution

1995–2011: Extreme poverty declined significantly, falling from 7% to 0.5%, reflecting sustained investment in social welfare and basic services.
2010: Algeria entered the group of countries with high human development, marking a major milestone in social and economic progress.
2013 & 2015: The country received FAO recognition for its achievements in reducing hunger and improving food security, highlighting strong agricultural and social protection measures.
2015: A Gini coefficient of 27.6% demonstrated relatively moderate inequality compared with global and regional averages.
2017: GDP reached approximately USD 167.5 billion, while external public debt remained low at 3% of GDP, underscoring prudent macroeconomic management.
2018–2019: Social indicators improved steadily, with gross primary enrolment exceeding 97%, life expectancy at around 77.7 years, electricity access reaching 99% of households, and sanitation covering 91% of the population.
2019: Algeria published its first Voluntary National Review on the 2030 Agenda, demonstrating commitment to transparency and international engagement in sustainable development.

Algeria

Overview

SDGs Progress Tracker

Voluntary National Reports

Country Focal Point

Location

Region

No Poverty

Zero Hunger

Good Health

Quality Education

Gender Equality

Water & Sanitation

Clean Energy

Decent Work

Industry & Infrastructure

Inequality

Sustainable Cities

Responsible Consumption

Climate Action

Life Below Water

Life on Land

Peace & Justice

Partnerships

SDGs World Progress: On-Track

SDGs World Progress: Moderately Off-Track

SDGs World Progress: Off-Track

Country Challenges

World Challenges

Country Lessons Learned

World Lessons Learned

Country Contribution

World Contribution

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Algeria

Overview

SDGs Progress Tracker

Voluntary National Reports

Country Focal Point

Location

Region

No Poverty

Zero Hunger

Good Health

Quality Education

Gender Equality

Water & Sanitation

Clean Energy

Decent Work

Industry & Infrastructure

Inequality

Sustainable Cities

Responsible Consumption

Climate Action

Life Below Water

Life on Land

Peace & Justice

Partnerships

SDGs World Progress: On-Track

SDGs World Progress: Moderately Off-Track

SDGs World Progress: Off-Track

Country Challenges

World Challenges

Country Lessons Learned

World Lessons Learned

Country Contribution

World Contribution

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