Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 7, Algeria, the world’s third-largest importer of milk powder, is advancing food security through a strategic partnership between its National Investment Fund and Qatar’s Baladna Q.P.S.C. The collaboration, formalized through Baladna Algeria, aims to establish an advanced dairy farming and milk powder production facility in Adrar province. This initiative is designed to meet approximately 50% of Algeria’s milk powder demand, enhancing self-sufficiency and creating around 5,000 local jobs.

GEA CEO Stefan Klebert and Ali Al-Ali, Chairman of Baladna Algeria, at the contract signing ceremony for the world's largest integrated dairy facility.

Located 90 kilometers from Adrar’s provincial capital, the facility will be the largest of its kind globally. Construction is set to begin in early 2026, with initial milk powder production planned for late 2027. The plant’s capacity will gradually increase to produce 100,000 tons of milk powder annually once fully operational, significantly reducing reliance on imports.

GEA, a key partner in the project, will oversee the entire milk powder production process, from dairy farming to processing and packaging. Stefan Klebert, CEO of GEA, stated: “We are proud that Baladna and the Algerian Government are entrusting GEA to play a key part in this lighthouse project. Not only are we building the world’s largest facility of its kind – we are also helping to strengthen regional food security and economic development.” GEA’s Farm Technologies and Liquid & Powder Technologies divisions will supply solutions, including milking parlors, separators, membrane filtration, heat treatment, evaporation, spray drying, and automated packaging systems.

Mohamed Moutaz Al-Khayyat, Chairman of Baladna, remarked: “This engagement with GEA marks a milestone in the acceleration of the project. We are proud to attract the most prominent national and international expertise and renowned companies from all over the world to contribute to the completion of the project, following the highest international standards.” The project leverages GEA’s expertise, demonstrated in dairy projects across India, China, Qatar, and Ireland.

A formal signing ceremony took place on July 28 at the Congress International Center in Algiers, attended by key figures including Abdelaziz Ali Al-Naama, Qatar’s ambassador to Algeria, Algerian Minister of Agriculture Youssef Cherfa, and Ali Al-Ali, Chairman of Baladna Algeria, alongside GEA’s Stefan Klebert. The event marked the official contract signing, reinforcing the project’s significance.

This initiative supports Algeria’s economic growth and sustainability goals by reducing import dependency and fostering local employment. The facility’s advanced technologies and high standards aim to set a benchmark for dairy production, contributing to long-term food security in the region.