Algeria Raises Its Number of Provinces to 69 in a Move Aimed at Reducing Centralization and Enhancing Local Development

The Algerian authorities announced on Monday the promotion of 11 administrative districts to fully empowered provinces, raising the number of provinces in the country from 58 to 69, in what is considered the largest step since the administrative division was redone in 2019.

This decision is part of a government policy aimed at bringing administration closer to citizens and alleviating the burden on major provinces, especially in the southern and inland areas that suffer from weak services and infrastructure.

In a statement to France 24, parliament member Mohamed Hani confirmed that the strategic goal is to reach 100 provinces, considering that this "aligns with Algeria's geographical size of over 2.3 million square kilometers" and contributes to breaking the administrative centralization that has long been an obstacle to balanced development.

The new provinces will enjoy full executive and administrative powers, including managing local projects, allocating budgets, and appointing officials, which is expected to bring about a qualitative shift in managing local affairs, especially in areas that were previously managed as subordinate districts.

This step is part of broader reforms adopted by the Algerian government to enhance decentralization and achieve developmental justice among different regions of the country, amid increasing economic and social challenges.