The El Kseur-Fenaïa industrial zone project in Béjaïa is facing significant delays, according to findings from a recent inspection by the Assemblée populaire de wilaya (APW), Béjaïa’s elected provincial assembly.
An APW delegation visited the project site on September 13 to assess progress and found that development remains below expectations. The inspection highlighted delays affecting infrastructure and the project’s broader implementation, raising concerns about its ability to meet its economic and employment objectives.
El Kseur-Fenaïa industrial zone project remains behind schedule
The industrial development project, located between El Kseur and Fenaïa Immatéria in Béjaïa province, is intended to support investment and strengthen industrial activity in the region.
However, according to the APW delegation’s assessment, several key stages of the project have not progressed as planned. Construction and supporting infrastructure remain incomplete, limiting the zone’s ability to reach full operational capacity.
The delegation identified gaps involving essential infrastructure, including road access and utility networks such as electricity and water.
These shortcomings can create practical obstacles for companies considering establishing operations in the zone, particularly where industrial activity requires reliable access to transport and basic utilities.
Investment and administrative challenges
The project’s difficulties also extend beyond physical infrastructure.
The investment commission involved in assessing local economic development highlighted financing issues and administrative procedures as factors affecting progress. Delays in securing additional funding have reportedly slowed expansion, while permitting and approval procedures remain a concern.
For investors, predictable infrastructure delivery and administrative timelines are important factors when evaluating the viability of a new industrial site.
The delays therefore have implications beyond the construction schedule. They could also affect the timing of expected investment and local employment opportunities linked to the development of the zone.
Béjaïa’s wider development agenda
The industrial zone is part of broader efforts to strengthen economic infrastructure in Béjaïa and across Algeria. Other major projects in the region have also experienced lengthy development or review periods, including plans for a 30,000-seat stadium and the revival of the Annaba tramway project.
At the national level, Algeria is simultaneously pursuing large-scale infrastructure investments in areas such as water desalination, reflecting the government’s wider focus on expanding essential infrastructure and supporting economic development.
For the El Kseur-Fenaïa project, the immediate challenge is to address the infrastructure, financing and administrative issues identified during the APW inspection.
No new completion date was established in the information available from the September 13 inspection. Further progress will depend on coordination between local authorities, project stakeholders and the relevant government agencies.
Sami B. is the founder and editor of Algeria News Gate, an independent English-language platform covering Algeria’s political, economic, and business developments. Based in Europe, he reports on official announcements, economic trends, and international relations involving Algeria.