Investing in Algeria's solar energy: a historic opportunity for the diaspora

Algeria is entering a new phase of its energy development. For decades, our country has built its power around oil and gas. These resources have made it possible to finance the state, develop infrastructure and ensure a significant position for Algeria on the international energy stage. But the world is changing. Needs are changing. Technologies are changing. And Algeria must now prepare for the future with lucidity, ambition and responsibility.

Among the most promising sectors, solar energy occupies a central place. This is not by chance. Algeria has a considerable solar potential, especially in the Southern and Highlands regions. In a context where national demand for electricity is growing, where industrial and agricultural needs are rising, and where the world is seeking cleaner energy sources, solar can become a major lever for sovereignty, development and investment.

The Algerian State has announced an important goal: reaching 15,000 MW of renewable capacities by 2035. A first phase of 3,200 MW of solar photovoltaic projects is already underway, with commissioning expected starting from 2026. Added to this are the tenders and programs already launched around solar, including the Solar 1000 MW program and photovoltaic projects distributed across several of the country's wilayas.

These figures show one thing: solar energy in Algeria is no longer a distant idea. It is a concrete project. And this project must also be an opportunity for Algerians settled abroad.

The diaspora must take its place in this transition

I am convinced that the Algerian diaspora must not just observe this transformation from Europe. It must participate in it.

In Zone 7, we have engineers, entrepreneurs, technicians, investors, executives, researchers, young graduates and project leaders capable of bringing real value to Algeria. Many live in countries where the energy transition is already advanced: Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Ireland. They know the technologies, the standards, the business models, the financing mechanisms and the quality requirements.

This experience is valuable. It can become a bridge between Europe and Algeria.

Investing in solar does not only mean building large power plants. There are many opportunities across the value chain: installation of photovoltaic panels, maintenance, specialized module cleaning, energy storage, solar solutions for agriculture, solar pumping, electrification of isolated areas, energy efficiency of buildings, technical training, engineering offices, industrial subcontracting, manufacturing of components, digitalization of production monitoring or financial support for projects.

This is precisely where the diaspora can play a strategic role.

Solar for agriculture and regions

Solar energy can also meet very concrete needs in local areas. Algerian agriculture, especially in semi-arid and Saharan zones, needs reliable energy for pumping, irrigation, conservation, processing and transport. In some cases, solar can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, stabilize operating costs and improve the profitability of agricultural projects.

For young entrepreneurs, this opens up new perspectives: modern farms, smart greenhouses, agri-food processing units, cold rooms partially powered by solar, optimized irrigation systems, hybrid solutions for isolated farms.

Solar energy must therefore not be seen as a sector reserved only for large corporations. It can become a concrete tool to create activity, employment and value in the regions.

Obstacles to overcome to unlock investments

But let's be clear: potential is not enough. For the diaspora to truly invest, the obstacles must be removed.

Many Algerians abroad want to invest in their home country, but hesitate due to administrative complexity, lack of reliable information, banking difficulties, slow procedures, land tenure uncertainty or the lack of clear guidance. In an energy sector that is so technical, these obstacles can discourage even the most serious project leaders.

This is why I advocate for a simple approach: inform, support, and secure.

Inform, because an investor needs to understand the rules, the tenders, the permits, the available schemes and the competent contacts.

Support, because an energy project requires technical, legal, financial and administrative expertise.

Secure, because no investor can make a long-term commitment without trust, visibility and clear protection of their rights.

An economic and national opportunity

Solar can allow Algeria to better meet its domestic demand for electricity, preserve more of its gas resources for high value-added of use or export, and develop a local industry around renewable energies. It can also contribute to the electrification of isolated areas and the development of new economic activities.

But this transition must not only be about energy. It must also be industrial, regional, and human.

The challenge is not just to produce megawatts. The challenge is to create skills, jobs, companies, training programmes, partnerships and a real culture of innovation.

This is where the diaspora has a role to play. We must shift from an emotional relationship with Algeria to one that is also economic, productive and structured. Loving one's country also means contributing to its development with serious, useful and sustainable projects.

My commitment

I want the Algerians of Zone 7 to be able to invest in Algeria with more clarity, trust and efficiency. I want our skills established in Europe to be better identified, better mobilized and better connected to the real needs of the country.

In the solar energy field, this means encouraging partnerships between diaspora entrepreneurs and Algerian actors, facilitating access to information, supporting productive projects, advocating for suitable financial mechanisms and promoting a more legible administration for investors.

Algeria has the sunshine. It has the territories. It has the needs. It also has a competent, ambitious diaspora that is attached to its country.

Our responsibility is to build the link between these forces.

Solar energy is not just a technology. It is an opportunity for sovereignty, development and national pride.

And I am convinced that the Algerian diaspora must be at the heart of this ambition.