Discover the interview of Kahina MELLAB from CREAD
Published on Dec 8,2025 at 5:17 PM | Updated on Apr 10,2026 at 8:55 AM

The Djazagro trade show opened its doors with an Experts' Agora marked by a conference given by Dr. Kahina Mellab, Senior Research Fellow at CREAD. A specialist in econometrics and economic policy, she examined the issues hindering the development of the Algerian agri-food sector. In this interview, she discusses the levers that need to be activated to transform the sector's potential into a real driver of economic diversification.

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

I am a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Applied Economic Research for Development (CREAD) in Algiers. My areas of expertise include econometrics, data analysis and economic policy, with a focus on economic diversification in single-export countries such as Algeria. I have devoted much of my research to studying strategic sectors such as manufacturing and agri-food, and their impact on growth, employment and economic resilience.

What topic have you chosen to speak about at Djazagro?

My presentation at the Experts' Agora is entitled: " From production to export: the Algerian agri-food sector facing development challenges." I had discussed the structural obstacles that limit the sector's integration into regional and global value chains. These include issues of productivity and competitiveness, but also industrial transformation and openness to international markets.

What are these structural challenges in concrete terms?

The agri-food sector in Algeria faces several major obstacles. The processing of agricultural products remains insufficient, which limits the creation of added value. Investment in industrial infrastructure is low, as is the introduction of modern technologies. Added to this are high logistics costs, difficulties in accessing international markets and restrictive regulatory barriers. Our agricultural exports account for only about 4% of total exports, compared with nearly 12% for Tunisia. Other countries, such as South Korea, have been able to transform their sector through proactive policies and massive investment, enabling them to increase their agri-food exports to more than 10% of total exports.

What role can the Experts' Agora play in this context?

The Agora plays an essential role in bringing together experts, researchers and decision-makers to discuss the challenges facing the agri-food sector. It raises collective awareness and promotes the exchange of best practices. It is also a space for training, innovation and awareness-raising that encourages the modernisation of infrastructure, the development of local solutions and a rethinking of the sector's place in the Algerian economic model.

How do you assess the evolution of the Djazagro trade show?

Since its creation in 2003, Djazagro has become an unmissable event. It has helped to create a dynamic of innovation, introduce new technologies and strengthen exchanges between national and international players. Today, Djazagro is more than just a trade show: it is a catalyst for the transformation of the agri-food industry in Algeria and an indicator of the sector's sustainable growth potential.

Three successful paths to agri-food transformation Several countries have shown that a proactive strategy can profoundly transform an agri-food sector. In South Korea, the rise of ‘K-Food’ is based on innovation, smart farms and active support for exporters, with exports worth more than $11 billion in 2021. The Netherlands, despite its small size, has become the world's second largest exporter thanks to technology, local processing and public-private cooperation. Finally, Ireland has successfully moved upmarket with a national strategy focused on image, quality and sustainable development through its ‘Origin Green’ label. Three different approaches, but the same lever: investing in transformation to anchor themselves in global value chains.