North Africa Risk Consulting leader hails Algeria as ‘island of stability’
Algeria is one of the most attractive destinations for energy investment in the region. That is according to Geoff Porter, managing director of North Africa Risk Consulting, who strongly praised Algeria’s political and security environment at a recent leadership event.
Speaking in Oran at the North Africa Energy & Hydrogen Exhibition and Conference (NAPEC 2025), Professor Porter stressed that Algeria has been a regional model of stability since around 2019. He welcomed its central role in regional stability and securing global energy markets, calling the nation an “island of stability on the southern shore of the Mediterranean” and an “essential pillar of energy security.”
Stable climate and diminished risks
In his analysis, Porter noted that the election of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and his expected re-election for a second term in 2024, have firmly anchored a stable political climate. This, he asserted, is a major asset for foreign investors seeking security and clarity in economic policies.
Addressing past concerns, the expert affirmed that Algeria today is dramatically different from two or three decades ago. “The security risks that once threatened the hydrocarbon sector are no longer relevant,” he said, noting that the stable security situation now reassures foreign partners.
Algeria experienced a period of civil war in the 1990s, after the military’s canceled the 1991 elections, a move that led to a brutal conflict between the government and various armed Islamist groups.
This internal strife resulted in the death of an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 people and involved widespread massacres and human rights abuses before the security situation significantly improved in the early 2000s. Algeria was eventually able to stamp out what little remained of its homegrown Islamist militant elements by 2007.
An attractive investment climate
Porter described the investment environment in Algeria as “the best since independence”, attributing this success to political and security stability combined with a modernized legal framework for hydrocarbons. He lauded the current hydrocarbon law as “the best that Algeria has ever had”, praising the flexibility and willingness of Algerian authorities to adapt the legislation to international market requirements.
Furthermore, he highlighted Algeria’s manifest desire to diversify its partnerships, actively seeking new serious companies from various continents rather than limiting itself to traditional partners.
Reliable energy supplier
On the energy front, Porter confirmed Algeria’s competitive advantage, citing its developed infrastructure that directly connects its natural gas production to European markets. He pointed out that Algeria has remained a reliable supplier despite global international crises. According to Porter, ongoing efforts to increase production capacities will further solidify Algeria’s position as a major energy player towards Europe.
Regionally, the Professor commended Algeria’s foreign policy, which is characterized by a posture of neutrality and a firm principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. He emphasized its commitment to peaceful solutions through multilateral organizations such as the UN and the African Union, specifically highlighting Algeria’s action within the UN Security Council on issues like the Palestinian conflict.
The NAPEC 2025 event, where Professor Porter delivered his remarks, underscores the importance of the sector, bringing together more than 500 exhibitors from 60 countries and drawing high-level attendance, including Algeria’s Minister of State and Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, among other key national energy officials.
