Rachid Ouaissa Algeria political economy contributor Maghreb Insider

Rachid Ouaissa, Algeria Political Economy Contributor at Maghreb Insider

Rachid Ouaissa

30 articles

Editor

Algeria political economy contributor

Rachid.Ouaissa@maghrebinsider.com

Rachid Ouaissa covers Algeria’s political economy, hydrocarbons, economic reform and institutional stability for Maghreb Insider. He examines how resource revenues, public spending and structural economic pressures influence political choices and the wider balance of power across the Maghreb.

·

 Rachid Ouaissa studied development and political economy at the University of Sussex, building a regional focus on resource-dependent economies, institutions and economic change in North Africa. His professional background includes work with policy research teams, economic analysis projects and independent editorial groups covering the Mediterranean and emerging markets. At Maghreb Insider, he writes about Algeria, hydrocarbons, public revenue, economic reform, political institutions, middle-class pressures and the relationship between resource wealth and political stability. His approach follows incentives, budgets and institutional constraints rather than treating official economic targets as outcomes. He aims to show readers how energy income, government choices and structural weaknesses translate into political consequences for Algeria and the wider Maghreb. 

Topics

  • Political economy The relationship between economic systems, public institutions, political power and the distribution of resources.
  • Rentier state How governments dependent on external resource revenues finance the state, shape economic incentives and manage political stability.
  • Algeria Algeria’s economy, hydrocarbon dependence, public institutions, political pressures and role within the wider Maghreb.

30 latest articles by Rachid Ouaissa

Egypt Pitches Energy Infrastructure as Africa's Market Gateway

Egypt is pitching its gas network, LNG terminals and petroleum services as a way for African producers to process resources and keep more value on the continent. A $1.1 billion Petrojet contract in Algeria offers a concrete example. At the Alamein forum, Cairo is also making the case for financing and project delivery.

Egypt's Gas Network Faces an Emissions Test

Two new compressor units at Dahshour are expected to add 18 million cubic meters of gas capacity per day. Waste-heat recovery could generate around 24 megawatts of electricity as Egypt works to raise production and cut emissions from existing infrastructure.

Egypt Turns to Mature Fields to Rebuild Energy Supply

In June 2026, Egypt's gas consumption exceeded production by 77.67%, while oil consumption was about 24.88% higher than output. Brownfield upgrades and near-field tiebacks could ease the shortfall, but the results depend on execution and a gradual upstream recovery.

Egypt and Mali Open Talks on Digital Cooperation

The two countries will hold technical consultations on fibre networks, AI, digital government and skills. Egypt pointed to its Hayat Karima connectivity programme and regional training capacity; Mali wants to draw on Egyptian experience to modernise public administration.

Validfor moves in on Egypt's digital health push with direct talks in Cairo

Validfor's top team sat down with Egypt's Associate Minister of Health, aiming to get in early on the country's digital health overhaul. The company is looking to land future deals and partnerships as Egypt's healthtech sector opens up.

Egypt boosts healthcare funding with EGP 108 billion for 2026/27

Egypt will put EGP 108 billion into public healthcare for 2026/27, raising spending by 27% as the government puts health at the center of its national plans.

Cyprus, Greece, and Egypt tighten security around Eastern Mediterranean energy sites

Cyprus, Greece, and Egypt have signed a new defence deal in Cairo to step up protection of gas fields and offshore energy sites in the Eastern Mediterranean. The agreement sets out joint military action and tighter security for key supply routes as regional threats grow.

Dawi Clinics pushes for affordable healthcare for Egypt's middle class

Dawi Clinics, co-founded by Magda Habib, is building a network of thirty clinics across Egypt to offer affordable, reliable healthcare for the country's middle class. The company is challenging Egypt's patchwork system and aiming to become a trusted national name.

US pushes $5 billion fund to rebuild Middle East energy sites

The US wants to set up a $5 billion fund to help fix Middle East energy infrastructure after the US-Israeli war on Iran. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been approached, but the region faces tens of billions in damage.

Orange Egypt to deliver digital infrastructure for Marakez developments

Orange Egypt has signed a deal with Marakez to build and run digital infrastructure at four major developments. The move aims to boost connectivity for people and businesses in key Egyptian cities and commercial centers.

Egypt commits $12 billion to AI and cloud overhaul, sets strict child online safety rules

Egypt has announced a $12 billion technology investment plan focused on AI, large-scale data centers, and digital infrastructure, aiming to become a regional tech hub while introducing new child online safety regulations and boosting digital exports.

Egypt pursues AIIB funding for climate resilient infrastructure projects

Egypt is intensifying talks with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to secure financing for sustainable and climate resilient infrastructure, aiming to leverage its geographic position to connect Asian capital with African development priorities.

Garnest sets aggressive growth targets for Egypt vacation rental market

Garnest, a vacation rental booking platform, is pursuing rapid expansion in Egypt with ambitions to reach 100,000 customers and 10,000 accommodation listings after an initial surge in users and properties. The company is also preparing to diversify its travel services.

Masyaf Ras Al Hekma construction accelerates as phase two launches

M squared has reached 41 percent construction completion at Masyaf Ras Al Hekma, with phase two now underway and 70 percent of units sold. The project is expanding its commercial and lifestyle offerings as it targets full delivery by 2027.

Modon Developments accelerates Green River Tower construction in New Capital

Modon Developments has committed EGP 5bn to the Green River Tower in Egypt's New Administrative Capital, with construction now over halfway complete and a push to deliver the project within eight months. The tower will offer commercial, office, and hotel space.

Egypt launches unified regulatory guide for consumer finance sector

Egypt's Financial Regulatory Authority has released its first comprehensive guide for consumer finance companies, consolidating all rules on licensing, governance, customer protection and digital compliance. The move aims to tighten oversight and raise sector standards as non-bank finance expands.

Egypt launches 25000-unit rent to own housing drive for young families

Egypt's government is opening applications for 25000 new rental and rent to own housing units from 20 September, aiming to expand affordable housing access for young people and low income families in 26 cities nationwide.

Egypt launches EU partnership to overhaul technical education for industry

Egypt has joined the EU-backed AlignVET project, aiming to redesign technical and vocational education by embedding industry requirements into curricula. The initiative targets the ready-made garments and home textiles sector, with manufacturers shaping training to match real factory needs.

Egypt's Digital Generation Forces Rethink of State Education Strategy

Egypt's youth are no longer passive consumers but active creators in the digital sphere, prompting the state to overhaul its approach to education and cultural engagement. With over 98 million internet users, the stakes for digital literacy and authentic participation are higher than ever.

Xi and Al-Sisi Spotlight Civilizational Diplomacy at Grand Egyptian Museum

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi used a high-profile tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum to push for deeper cultural ties and promote the Global Civilization Initiative, signaling a strategic alignment between Cairo and Beijing.

Egypt's AOI and Industry Ministry target local manufacturing expansion

Egypt's Arab Organization for Industrialization and the Ministry of Industry are advancing plans to deepen local manufacturing and technology localisation, aiming to reduce imports, boost exports, and support Egypt's 2030 development strategy.

Egypt launches €271m digital platform to accelerate green investment

Egypt has introduced the IDEIA digital platform to streamline environmental impact assessments, aiming to reduce investment delays, enforce environmental standards, and support green industry with €271m in European and national funding.

Egypt launches $100m fund for water and dam projects in Nile Basin

Egypt has established a $100m fund to support water infrastructure and dam projects in southern Nile Basin countries, aiming to strengthen regional cooperation and address water security challenges in line with African Union development goals.

Egypt's Military Production Minister to Attend Balkan Shield 2026 in Sarajevo

Egypt's Minister of State for Military Production, Salah Gombalat, will participate in the First Balkan Shield - Defence Industry Expo and Summit 2026 in Sarajevo, aiming to deepen defence industry cooperation and showcase Egyptian military technology.

Egypt to Expand Digital Twin Technology Across Irrigation Canals

Egypt's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation will extend digital twin technology to major canals nationwide after its initial use on the Ismailia Canal, aiming to improve water allocation and management through real-time monitoring and AI tools.

Egypt Finalises Arrangements for Xi Jinping's State Visit

Egypt's government has completed preparations for Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit, aiming to deepen bilateral cooperation and mark 70 years of diplomatic relations. The visit is expected to advance joint projects and investment opportunities.

Egypt exports 172,000 tonnes of food, imports 218,000 tonnes in one week

Egypt exported 172,000 tonnes of food products and imported 218,000 tonnes between 22 and 28 August 2026, highlighting the scale of its food trade and the National Food Safety Authority's role in monitoring compliance and facilitating flows.

Egypt's FRA advances roadmap for sustainability disclosure standards

Egypt's Financial Regulatory Authority has presented a draft roadmap for phased implementation of IFRS sustainability disclosure standards, aiming to align national frameworks with international norms and enhance market transparency for investors.

Egypt advances 2,250km high-speed rail network to boost daily capacity

Egypt is constructing a 2,250km high-speed electric rail network and upgrading its conventional railways, aiming to transport up to 4 million passengers daily by 2030. The project is central to Egypt's strategy for integrated, sustainable mass transit.

Egypt issues 907 livestock licences and expands National Veal Project

Egypt's Ministry of Agriculture issued 907 new operating licences for livestock, poultry, feed, and dairy projects in August, while allocating EGP 59.85m in fresh financing to the National Veal Project, supporting small breeders and expanding cattle production.