Maghreb Edition

Algeria Officially Joins ASEANF

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Posted On 14 July 2025

Number of times this article was read : 700

Algeria just made a big splash on the global stage, officially joining ASEAN as a partner (What is Asean: An Explainer). The North African nation is essentially hitting the reset button on its foreign policy, shifting its gaze from its usual European and Mediterranean neighbors eastward. The move is a positive one for Algiers, which will enable it to expand its economic horizons, boosting its international presence, and snagging a spot as a crucial bridge between Africa, Asia, and Europe. It’s a smart play to diversify its economy beyond oil and gas and tap into the vibrant growth of Asian markets.

For the ASEAN group, it is also a clear strategy of entry into the massive African market, bacause Algeria is part of the African Continental Free Trade Area. ASEAN access to natural resources is also a key motivating factor, in a nation that has shown relatively political stable over the past years, making it an appealing prospect.

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The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.