The Algerian economy was still emerging from the Covid pandemic when it
was hit by spillovers from Russia’s war in Ukraine and by recurrent droughts. These
shocks fueled inflation while high international hydrocarbon prices also boosted
government revenue and exports. Algeria’s economy likely recorded a robust growth in
2023 and the external position remained solid, with a current account surplus for the
second year in a row and further accumulation of international reserves. Inflation
remains elevated and could become entrenched. The 2023–24 budgets aim at
supporting the purchasing power of households but risk depleting the buffers that
protect the budget from revenue volatility. Structural reforms are advancing with the
enactment of the Monetary and Banking law and the implementation of program
budgeting and the 2022 Investment Law. Investment in digitalization would strengthen
governance and transparency, reduce corruption risks, and improve service delivery.