Category Archives: Africa

Waste Management Landscape in Algeria: Challenges and Opportunities

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The waste management sector in Algeria reflects a complex interaction between demographic dynamics, economic transformation, evolving regulatory frameworks, and persistent operational constraints. Over the past two decades, population growth, accelerated urbanization, and changing consumption patterns have led to a steady increase in waste generation, exerting growing pressure on municipal services, local authorities, and natural ecosystems. According to national data compiled by the National Agency of Waste (Agence Nationale des Déchets, AND), Algeria generates more than twelve million tonnes of domestic waste annually, a figure that continues to rise year after year [1]. When industrial, construction, and special waste streams are … Continue reading →

Can Atmospheric Water Generators Resolve Egypt’s Water Crisis?

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Egypt faces an imminent water crisis which could jeopardize the country’s stability and regional dominance. Egypt is currently below the United Nations threshold of water poverty. The current water shortage in Egypt is 13.5 Billion Cubic Meters per year which is expected to continuously increase. According to hydrologists, a country is considered to be facing water scarcity if supplies drop below 1,000 cubic meters per person annually. Egyptian officials state there are currently around 570 cubic meters (150,000 gallons) of water available per person per year. This figure is expected to drop further to 500 cubic meters by 2025. The … Continue reading →

The Promise of Seawater Desalination in Algeria: Perspectives

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Algeria is one of the countries most exposed to water stress in the world. Classified as arid and semi-arid, it relies heavily on limited freshwater resources, with overexploited aquifers and dams often at critical levels during recurrent droughts. In response to this reality, the Algerian government has made seawater desalination a major strategic solution to secure potable water supply while alleviating pressure on natural freshwater resources. This approach goes beyond merely meeting human needs: it also potentially contributes to the preservation of terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems, in line with the objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted in … Continue reading →

Energy Transition in Algeria: Concrete Levers to Move from Ambition to Action

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Algeria stands at a critical energy crossroads. Long known as one of Africa’s leading producers and exporters of hydrocarbons, the country is now attempting to balance the twin imperatives of maintaining economic stability from oil and gas revenues while accelerating a shift to a cleaner, more diversified energy system. With global pressure to decarbonize mounting and domestic energy demand rising rapidly, Algeria’s energy transition is no longer just a vision, it is becoming a necessary strategic priority. But turning ambition into tangible results requires a careful blend of policy frameworks, incentives, partnerships, and effective implementation. Algeria’s renewable energy potential is … Continue reading →

Water Crisis in Morocco – Response and Challenges

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Water, the most basic and essential resource on Earth, has become a privilege in many parts of the world. It is, without a doubt, one of, if not the most vital, resources for life. However, communities across the globe are increasingly facing drought and scarcity, and we have noticed a significant disparity in access to clean, drinkable water. As of 2022, nearly 500 million people across 19 African nations lack access to clean drinking water. The progress in resolving this issue has been slow due to the overexploitation of these resources, the impacts of climate change, and the historical sequels … Continue reading →

Can Treated Wastewater Help Algeria Overcome Water Scarcity?

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Water scarcity is among the most critical environmental and socio-economic challenges confronting Algeria. Located largely within arid and semi-arid climatic zones, the country experiences highly variable rainfall, frequent droughts, and limited renewable freshwater resources. Per capita renewable water availability in Algeria is estimated at around 404 m³/year, placing the country well below the internationally recognized water scarcity threshold of 1,000 m³/year [1]. Climate change projections indicate further reductions in precipitation, rising temperatures, and increased evapotranspiration, all of which are expected to intensify water stress in the coming decades [2]. In this context, the search for alternative and non-conventional water resources … Continue reading →

Restoring the El Harrach River: A Strategy for Environmental, Urban, and Social Renewal

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The El Harrach River, which flows through some of the most densely populated areas of Algiers, has for several decades become a symbol of the environmental challenges faced by rapidly urbanizing coastal cities. The foul odors that recur regularly are not only a nuisance for residents: they reflect a deep ecological imbalance, chronic pollution, and a deterioration of quality of life. Understanding the origins of these odors and proposing sustainable solutions requires an integrated analysis of the hydraulic, social, urban, industrial, and biological pressures exerted on this watercourse. The Degradation of El Harrach River For years, a significant share of … Continue reading →

Why Algeria Should Become the Regional Hub for Predictive Drought and Water Modeling

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North Africa is entering a new climate era defined by chronic drought, accelerating warming, and unprecedented pressure on water systems that were never designed for this level of stress. Over the last decade, the region has experienced a succession of dry years, but recent analyses from the Copernicus Global Drought Observatory show that since late 2023 the drought signal in northern Africa has been both multi-annual and structurally deeper than past cycles, with pronounced precipitation deficits, rising evapotranspiration, and abnormal land-surface temperatures. These dynamics have led to measurable impacts on groundwater recharge, agricultural productivity, and reservoir inflows, creating a complex … Continue reading →

Role of Algerian Matorrals in Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Adaptation

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Matorrals, Mediterranean shrublands including maquis and garrigue form a key component of Algeria’s ecological landscapes. Stretching from coastal zones to foothills and lower mountain belts, they serve as transitional ecosystems between humid northern forests and southern semi-arid steppes. Despite their limited spatial coverage, they host rich biodiversity, including many endemic and xerophytic species, and provide crucial ecosystem services such as soil protection, carbon storage, and hydrological regulation. Their structural diversity and adaptive traits make them among the most resilient vegetation types under Mediterranean climatic stress. Recent national studies and international assessments (IUCN, Plan Bleu) highlight their essential role in land … Continue reading →

How Can Mediterranean Countries Resolve Energy Crisis in Europe

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Europe has been desperately trying to find alternative sources of energy to replace Russian gas. American Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) imports used today, is only a temporary solution and not a long-term one, due to its high costs and transport limitations. However, Algeria, Egypt, and possibly other transit nations like Libya and Turkey in the future can all contribute significantly to the continent’s increased energy demands. In the Eastern Mediterranean significant amounts of natural gas have recently been discovered recently and could increase gas collaborations with Europe. Algeria increased its pipeline supplies to Europe by over 10% on available export … Continue reading →

Solar Energy in Morocco: Key Projects to Know

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Morocco, being the largest energy importer in North Africa, is making concerted efforts to reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels. Renewable energy is an attractive proposition as Morocco has almost complete dependence on imported energy carriers. Morocco is already spending over USD 13.5 billion each year on fuel and electricity imports and is experiencing power demand growth of 5 per cent per year. The National Energy and Energy Efficiency Plan was launched in 2008 which aims to develop renewable energy to meet 15 percent of the country’s energy demand and to increase the use of energy-saving methods.  The total … Continue reading →

Morocco-Nigeria Gas Pipeline: Economy Development or Environmental Disaster

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An ambitious project concerning energy industry in Africa between Morocco and Nigeria was set to be constructed to enhance the acceleration of electrification projects across the West African region. The objective of Morocco-Nigeria pipeline project is aimed at creation of a competitive regional market of electricity, and to connect gas resources from Nigeria to West African countries including Morocco. The pipeline project will be approximately 5,660-km long and its construction works will be in phases covering 25 years. After feasibility studies in 2017, the two countries opted for a combined onshore-offshore route to build the pipeline. The two countries are … Continue reading →