Nod for Algerias $3.5bn El Hamdania port

African Business Magazine said that the project is an attempt to replicate the success of the Tanger Med project in neighboring Morocco.

The Tanger Med project managed to lure transshipment business away from southern Europe while also encouraging new export firm set-ups.

But it may not be as easy for Algeria to copy the model because there are still large restrictions on private sector involvement in the country.

For example, the Algerian Port Authority will take the largest stake in El Hamdania’s operating company.

Apparently, the project has garnered $900m in funding from the African Development Bank.

The plan is to develop the port in two phases with a total handling capacity of 6.3m teu spread over 23 berths.

Construction is due to begin in March this year with the first berths scheduled for completion in 2021.