A historic investment: Skechers' first factory in Africa launches in Algeria.

Written by Omnia Hassan

In a move reflecting Algeria’s growing attractiveness to international industrial investments, the country has succeeded in winning a huge strategic project, which is to host the first African factory of the famous American brand “Skechers”, which specializes in the manufacture of shoes and sports products, in an achievement that is considered one of the most prominent foreign industrial investments in the continent in recent years.

A huge factory with a production capacity of up to two million pairs per year

The factory is scheduled to begin production in 2027, with a capacity of up to two million pairs of shoes per year, making it one of the largest shoe manufacturing projects in North Africa.

This investment is part of the American company’s strategy to expand its presence in emerging markets and reduce supply costs by establishing regional production centers close to the target markets.

The project is expected to contribute to strengthening Algerian industrial capabilities, creating hundreds of direct and indirect job opportunities, in addition to supporting local supply chains related to the leather industry, raw materials and logistics services.

Technology transfer and local content promotion

The project is characterized by a local integration rate of up to 40% in its first phase, a rate that is expected to gradually increase with the expansion of industrial activity.

It also includes an integrated program for the transfer of modern industrial technology and expertise, in addition to training and qualifying the Algerian workforce according to international standards adopted in the sports footwear industry.

Economic experts believe that this aspect represents a real added value to the Algerian economy, as the project’s impact is not limited to production only, but extends to developing local industrial skills and raising the efficiency of national cadres.

Gateway to African markets

After meeting the needs of the local market, the factory plans to move towards exporting to various African markets, taking advantage of Algeria’s strategic geographical location and continental trade agreements, most notably the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The project strengthens Algeria’s position as a regional industrial hub capable of attracting global investments in manufacturing sectors, especially in light of government efforts to diversify the economy away from dependence on hydrocarbons.

Economic and strategic gains

The selection of Algeria to host the first African factory for the Skechers brand is seen as a strong indicator of the improving business environment and the growing confidence of global companies in the Algerian market, which may open the door to new industrial investments and enhance the country’s ambitions to become a production and export base serving the entire African continent.