Algeria is moving to strengthen its position in downstream energy industries, part of a program to further develop the value added component of its energy and natural resources and increase local employment opportunities, especially in outlying regions. Total investment in the energy sector over the next four years is expected to reach $45 billion. Over the past 18 months, Algeria has launched a series of projects to develop new petrochemical plants or to upgrade existing facilities. One of the major planks in the campaign to expand downstream capacity is a massive ammonia and urea fertilizer production plant to be located at Arzew in the country’s west. The new plant is a joint venture between Algeria’s state-owned hydrocarbons company, Sonatrach, and Orascom Construction Industries (OCI) of Egypt. The Egyptian firm will act as lead project developer, with a 51% stake in the development and total investment is expected to be $746
