The Algerian government has announced plans to import one million sheep ahead of Eid al-Adha 2026 in a bid to stabilise the domestic livestock market and prevent sharp increases in prices.
The decision was disclosed in an official statement issued on Wednesday following a government meeting. According to the communiqué, the Prime Minister informed ministers of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s directive to support the national livestock market during the religious festival through large-scale imports.
Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant Islamic celebrations, is marked by a surge in demand for sheep for ritual sacrifice, a trend that typically places heavy pressure on local supply chains. Authorities say the measure is intended to anticipate these annual tensions and protect households from excessive price inflation.
Responsibility for implementing the decision has been assigned to the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries. The ministry has been instructed to immediately prepare the required specifications and launch an international tender to ensure the operation is completed ahead of the festival, which is expected to fall towards the end of May 2026.
This marks the second consecutive year Algeria has taken such action. In 2025, the government also authorised the importation of one million sheep to address soaring prices caused by drought conditions and rising feed costs, which had significantly reduced domestic livestock supply.
Beyond short-term market regulation, Algerian authorities have previously signalled their intention to strengthen local sheep production over the medium term, including support for breeders and improvements in animal feed and agricultural infrastructure. For now, the 2026 import programme is positioned as a key intervention to ensure adequate supply and maintain affordability during one of the country’s most important religious periods.
