Hydrocarbons & Trade: Algeria is drawing fresh upstream attention, with Indonesia “actively evaluating” participation in Algeria’s 2026 hydrocarbon bid round, while Algeria also topped South Korea’s naphtha supplier list in H1 2026 (17.2% share). Energy Security: Algeria condemned a drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline and stressed protection of vital infrastructure, as market chatter links Middle East shipping and pipeline risks to higher crude prices. Industrial Investment: Minister of Hydrocarbons Mohamed Arkab met Saudi Abunayyan Holding’s CEO to discuss industrial investment in Algeria, including seawater desalination equipment. AI & Digital Industry: Algeria set up five thematic committees to implement its national AI strategy, including a dedicated track for large language models and plans for a National Research Centre for AI and Data. Food & Agri-Industry: Ireland’s whole milk powder trade surged in the EU (+166.2% in intra-EU volumes), underscoring shifting European dairy competitiveness. Education for Industry: Algeria is expanding English in schools (starting earlier in primary), a move that could affect future skills pipelines for science and engineering. Regional Finance: Morocco’s foreign exchange reserves reportedly outpaced Algeria’s, highlighting the pressure on Algeria’s rentier model and subsidy-heavy spending.