The result of collaboration between Algeria and Qatar, the project is scheduled to start construction in 2026.
Published on Dec 8,2025 at 5:18 PM | Updated on Apr 10,2026 at 8:55 AM

The result of an agreement between the Algerian Ministry of Agriculture and the Qatari company Baladna, and with an estimated investment of $3.5 billion, the Baladna project aims to establish a large-scale dairy farm in the Adrar region of southern Algeria.

Spread over an area of 117,000 hectares, the farm will comprise three main areas:

  • Forage production
  • Cattle breeding (gradual expansion to 270,000 dairy cows within nine years, with a first phase of 50,000 head planned for 2026)
  • Dairy processing (milk powder production plant, with an estimated annual capacity of 194,000 tonnes, covering around 50% of national needs).

 

The project is inspired by the Baladna experience in Qatar, where the company has developed a 24,000-cow farm under similar climatic conditions. According to Algeria’s Press Service, the joint venture that will manage the project will be 49% owned by the National Investment Fund (FNI) and 51% by the Qatari party.

In addition to milk production, the Baladna project has several objectives:

  • Reducing imports: by producing a significant proportion of the milk powder consumed locally, Algeria hopes to reduce its dependence on imports, which currently represent a major burden on the balance of trade.
  • Job creation: the project is expected to generate numerous direct and indirect jobs, particularly in agriculture, livestock breeding, processing and logistics.
  • Regional development: the establishment of the farm in Adrar will contribute to the economic development of this Saharan region, by enhancing its natural resources and improving local infrastructures.
  • Technology transfer: collaboration with Baladna will enable the introduction of advanced technologies in animal husbandry, water management and dairy production, thus promoting the modernization of Algeria's agricultural sector.

 

The Baladna project stands out for its integrated approach, combining agricultural production, livestock breeding and industrial processing. This synergy aims to optimize available resources and ensure sustainable production. Modern technologies, such as intelligent irrigation and automated barn management, along the lines of what has already been developed in Qatar, will be implemented to guarantee the efficiency and sustainability of the farm.

The Baladna project embodies an ambitious vision for the future of agriculture and the dairy industry in Algeria. By combining foreign investment, technology transfer and regional development, it could become a successful model for other similar initiatives in the region, and its implementation will contribute significantly to the country's food self-sufficiency and the strengthening of its economy.

In fact, the project will be at the heart of many discussions at the upcoming Djazagro 2026 trade show, a must-attend event for agri-food industry players in Algeria and North Africa.