Algeria’s foreign policy and Africa’s integration agenda
In an era characterised by shifting geopolitical dynamics, Algeria’s emphasis on strategic autonomy and constructive engagement provides an example of how African countries can pursue national interests while contributing positively to regional and international affairs
Dyogo Duncan Dickson. (Courtesy)
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OPINION
By Dyogo Duncan Dickson
In an increasingly interconnected and complex world, African countries are continually seeking ways to strengthen their sovereignty, expand economic opportunities and contribute meaningfully to regional and global stability. Within this context, the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria presents an interesting case study of a foreign policy rooted in historical experience, strategic autonomy and commitment to continental co-operation.
As a Ugandan observer of international relations, I view Algeria’s diplomatic engagement through the lens of Africa’s broader aspirations for peace, development, and integration. While every nation pursues its own interests and priorities, Algeria’s approach offers valuable insights into how African states can navigate contemporary challenges while remaining committed to principles of sovereignty, dialogue and multilateral co-operation.
Contemporary relevance
Algeria’s foreign policy is deeply influenced by its history and its struggle for national independence. This historical experience has shaped a diplomatic outlook that emphasises respect for sovereignty, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, peaceful resolution of disputes and support for international co-operation. These principles continue to resonate across Africa, where many countries remain committed to strengthening state institutions, safeguarding independence, and advancing development through partnership rather than confrontation. They also align with the aspirations articulated in the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a peaceful, integrated and prosperous continent driven by its own citizens.
In an era characterised by shifting geopolitical dynamics, Algeria’s emphasis on strategic autonomy and constructive engagement provides an example of how African countries can pursue national interests while contributing positively to regional and international affairs.
Supporting peace and stability
Peace and security remain essential prerequisites for sustainable development. Across the continent, governments and regional institutions continue to invest in mechanisms for conflict prevention, mediation and peace-building.
Algeria has, over the years, participated in diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting dialogue and supporting peaceful solutions to regional challenges. Such contributions complement the broader work of the African Union and regional organisations seeking to strengthen African-led approaches to peace and security.
Continental integration
Perhaps one of the most promising dimensions of contemporary African diplomacy is the growing emphasis on economic co-operation. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a historic opportunity to deepen intra-African trade, strengthen industrialisation, and create new opportunities for businesses and citizens across the continent.
Algeria’s increasing economic engagement with African partners reflects this evolving reality. Enhanced trade links, investment partnerships, infrastructure development and business co-operation have the potential to contribute significantly to Africa’s economic transformation.
For Uganda and Algeria, there are numerous areas where collaboration could be mutually beneficial. Agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure development, education, tourism, pharmaceuticals, and technology are among the sectors that could benefit from stronger bilateral engagement and private-sector partnerships.
Such co-operation should not be viewed solely through a bilateral lens. Rather, it contributes to the broader objective of building interconnected African economies capable of competing effectively in the global marketplace.
The impact of Algeria’s contemporary foreign policy can be observed not only through its positions in continental and international forums, but also through its growing engagement with African partners such as Uganda.
In recent years, bilateral relations have gained renewed momentum, reflecting Algeria’s broader commitment to strengthening Africa-Africa cooperation and advancing the objectives of continental integration.
A significant milestone was the State Visit of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to Algeria in March 2023, during which both countries signed two agreements and five Memoranda of Understanding covering sectors including energy, tourism, agriculture, animal health, education, and scientific research.[5] The visit underscored a shared commitment to expanding cooperation beyond traditional diplomatic engagement and into areas that directly support economic transformation and knowledge exchange.
Since then, both governments have undertaken efforts to implement the agreed areas of cooperation. In December 2024, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf visited Kampala as Special Envoy of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Discussions with Ugandan leaders focused on reviewing progress in the implementation of bilateral agreements and preparations for the second session of the Algeria-Uganda Joint Governmental Commission, with particular emphasis on defence, energy, trade, higher education, and economic cooperation.
The strengthening of Algeria’s diplomatic presence in Uganda has also contributed to this momentum. In 2024, Ambassador Mourad Amokrane formally assumed his duties in Kampala and held consultations with Ugandan officials aimed at expanding collaboration in areas such as science, technology transfer, value addition in coffee exports, and investment promotion.
Economic cooperation has become an increasingly important pillar of the relationship. According to discussions between Ugandan and Algerian officials in 2025 and 2026, bilateral trade has expanded to include Ugandan coffee and powdered milk exports to Algeria, while both countries have explored new opportunities in agricultural trade and agro-processing. Plans for business forums and increased participation in trade fairs have also been advanced as mechanisms for connecting entrepreneurs and investors from both countries.
Viewed collectively, these initiatives illustrate how Algeria’s foreign policy is increasingly aligned with the practical objectives of Africa’s integration agenda. They reflect a shift from political solidarity alone toward tangible cooperation in trade, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and technology. For Uganda, this growing partnership offers opportunities to strengthen economic diversification and regional connectivity. For Algeria, it reinforces its role as an active participant in building stronger linkages between North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Such developments exemplify the spirit of Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area: an Africa connected not merely through institutions, but through sustained partnerships that create opportunities for citizens, businesses, researchers, and future generations across the continent.
The importance of people-to-people diplomacy
Diplomatic relations are strengthened not only by government engagement but also by interactions between citizens, academics, entrepreneurs, and cultural institutions.
Educational exchanges, research collaboration, tourism, and cultural programs create opportunities for mutual learning and understanding. These connections help build enduring relationships that can complement official diplomatic initiatives and contribute to long-term cooperation.
As African countries continue to invest in human capital and innovation, people-to-people engagement will become increasingly important in fostering a shared continental identity and advancing common development goals.
Looking ahead
The future of Africa will depend significantly on the ability of its nations to work together in pursuit of shared interests. While each country follows its own path and priorities, cooperation remains essential for addressing challenges such as climate change, food security, youth unemployment, infrastructure deficits, and regional instability.
From this perspective, the relationship between Uganda and Algeria reflects the broader potential of Africa-Africa partnerships. By strengthening economic cooperation, promoting dialogue, supporting continental integration, and investing in people-to-people connections, both countries can contribute to a more prosperous and resilient continent.
Algeria’s foreign policy offers one example of how African states can engage constructively in regional and global affairs while remaining committed to principles of sovereignty, partnership, and multilateral cooperation. As Africa continues to assert its place in the international system, such experiences provide valuable lessons for policymakers, scholars, and citizens alike.
The writer is a Ugandan researcher and commentator on international relations