Algerian Radio
Economic and financial expert Mahfoud Kaoubi indicated this Sunday that one of the major challenges Algeria will have to face in 2026, and even beyond, is diversifying its resources and moving towards greater integration and wealth creation.
As the first guest of the new year 2026 on the program "L’invité du jour" (The Guest of the Day) on Algerian Radio's Channel 3, Mr. Kaoubi recalled that the hydrocarbons sector will remain the main provider of foreign currency for Algeria. However, the speaker believes that "the real battle in 2026 and beyond will be to diversify our resources and move towards more integration and more wealth creation."
Invited to comment on the changes planned by the 2026 Finance Law, Mr. Kaoubi considers that the legislator prioritized stability; nevertheless, increases were introduced that will touch "the citizen's pocket" in one way or another.
"There are no major changes regarding taxation affecting either individuals or businesses. However, we must note certain increases regarding stamp duty, not to mention the vehicle tax sticker for certain categories of vehicles, as well as housing tax duties which have also been revised upwards," he revealed.
Digital Transformation and Administrative Reform
Regarding the question of digital transformation in the economic sector, set to continue in 2026, the economic expert welcomed the considerable efforts made by the High Commission for Digitalization. He noted that, in his view, "we are practically at a very advanced level of completion regarding the transformation architecture."
However, he judges it important to allow the necessary time for this transformation to take place with maximum legitimacy and efficiency. The expert continued by emphasizing that this digital transformation requires "a transformation in the organization of public administration."
"We must back this digital transformation—clumsily referred to as digitization—with a reorganization of the administrative sphere. We must also prepare the economic sphere and make the necessary adjustments so that this transition to digitization is adopted easily," the speaker explained.
Fuel Price Adjustments
Regarding the rise in fuel prices, the Channel 3 guest revealed that the main objective of this increase is to make an adjustment aimed primarily at offsetting the rising costs related to distribution and refining.
"We just need to clarify one point. This increase in fuel prices is not due to a tax increase. That is why this increase was not introduced as part of the debate concerning the 2026 Finance Law. It is the national hydrocarbons agency that proceeded with an adjustment by raising the price to cover certain costs," he said.
