Plus de 460.000 artisans enregistrés au niveau national
Summary of Artisan Development in Algeria
As of May 2023, Algeria has over 460,000 registered artisans, according to Abdelkrim Berki, the Director General of the National Chamber of Crafts and Trades (CNAM). This growth has significantly contributed to the economy, generating over 1.3 million jobs and contributing more than 400 billion Algerian Dinars (DA) to the country’s GDP in 2024. Berki has emphasized the goal of increasing the number of artisans to 700,000 in the coming years, which he believes could create an additional 2 million jobs.
During a conference held in Algiers, organized by the National Association of Merchants and Artisans (ANCA), Berki outlined the multiple roles that artisans play not just in preserving Algeria’s cultural heritage but also in making important contributions to the national economy. To achieve further growth, he stressed the need to improve the working conditions for artisans by facilitating access to raw materials, offering training cycles, organizing exhibitions to showcase their products, and introducing new tax incentives.
The ANCA’s president, El Hadj Taher Boulenouar, urged young people to take advantage of state programs aimed at creating productive businesses. He highlighted the importance of combining these state initiatives with effective support systems to guide and mentor young entrepreneurs.
In a related discussion, Bachir Messaitfa, the President of the Algerian Foundation "Sinaat Al-Ghad" and a former minister, stressed the importance of focusing on pioneering sectors with added value to bolster the national economy. He encouraged entrepreneurs to form groups that would enhance competitiveness and manage production costs more efficiently.
At the conference’s conclusion, a cooperation agreement was signed between ANCA and the "Sinaat Al-Ghad" Foundation to facilitate the exchange of information and expertise, as well as coordination at the local level.
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The National Chamber of Crafts and Trades (CNAM) has reported that the number of registered artisans in Algeria surpassed 460,000 by May 2023. Abdelkrim Berki, the CNAM director general, emphasized the critical need to continue improving the operational environment for artisans, with an ambitious target of increasing their numbers to 700,000 in the coming years.
During a conference in Algiers organized by the National Association of Merchants and Artisans (ANCA), Berki highlighted the positive impact of the artisan sector. The current statistics indicate that these artisans have created over 1.347 million jobs and contributed more than 400 billion DA to the nation’s GDP projected for 2024. He noted that by increasing the number of artisans to 700,000, the sector could potentially create more than 2 million additional jobs.
Berki further elaborated on the role artisans play, stressing that their contributions extend beyond cultural preservation; they are essential actors in the economic landscape of Algeria. To realize this potential, he made a case for ongoing support for artisans, including improved access to essential raw materials, educational training, exhibitions to promote their crafts, and the introduction of new financial incentives aimed at easing their operational burdens.
El Hadj Taher Boulenouar, president of ANCA, encouraged the youth to leverage government programs designed to promote enterprise creation. He underlined the importance of collaborating efforts to ensure the effective execution of state initiatives and supportive mentorship for young people venturing into entrepreneurship.
Bachir Messaitfa, president of the Algerian foundation "Sinaat Al-Ghad" and an ex-minister, added another layer to the dialogue by advocating for a focus on high-value sectors that are pioneering and beneficial to the national economy. He encouraged entrepreneurs to form collective associations that could enhance competitiveness and allow for better control over production costs.
The conference wrapped up with the signing of a cooperation agreement between ANCA and "Sinaat Al-Ghad." This agreement aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise while promoting collaboration at local levels to better support artisans across various regions.
In summary, the efforts to uplift the artisan sector in Algeria signify a strategic approach not only toward cultural sustainability but also economic growth. By fostering a favorable ecosystem and empowering young entrepreneurs, Algeria seeks to harness the full potential of its artisan community, which is poised to play a pivotal role in the future economic landscape.
