Russian brand Lada vehicles might soon be assembled in Algeria, according to statements from the head of the company AvtoVAZ, owner of the brand. These remarks were made during the Russia-Africa summit.
The summit took place in Saint Petersburg on the 27th and 28th of July 2023, with numerous African heads of state and government officials in attendance. Algeria was represented at this meeting by Prime Minister, Aïmene Benabderrahmane.
The Saint Petersburg summit was held slightly more than a month after President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s visit to Russia in June (13th – 16th), during which the two countries reiterated their desire to deepen their strategic partnership and economic cooperation.
In an interview with Russian media Sputnik, AvtoVAZ executive Maxim Sokolov expressed his company’s intent to engage in assembly operations in Algeria.
Sokolov mentioned ongoing negotiations for the export of Lada cars to African countries, including Ethiopia, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, and North African nations.
Russian Lada Shows Interest in Algerian Automotive Market
Sokolov believes Egypt to be an industrial and logistical supply center for future deliveries, and even an “expansion point for other African countries”, revealing that contacts have been initiated with an Egyptian company named Al Amal.
Additionally, the Russian company is contemplating a similar assembly project for Lada vehicles with other African countries. “If we’re talking about North Africa, then it’s a first with Algeria,” he said.
The Russian company’s head disclosed that their former shareholder, French Renault, was not interested in exporting Lada cars to the African market, preferring to place vehicles of its own brand.
Another country that might initiate automotive assembly operations in Algeria is China.
During his recent visit to China, President Tebboune visited BYD workshops, which manufacture electric vehicles, in the Shenzhen province (South).
The head of state told his Chinese counterparts they were “welcome” in Algeria, explaining that the country “provides all facilities and offers numerous benefits to foreign investors, including automobile manufacturers.”
According to President Tebboune, Algeria is suited to be an “automobile manufacturing hub.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Commerce, Tayeb Zitouni, revealed after this visit that China has agreed to open an electric vehicle assembly plant in Algeria.