On October 20, Minister of Pharmaceutical Industry Ouacim Kouidri announced the adoption of Algeria's first national list of essential medicines. Developed by a specialized committee of experts from various ministries and health agencies, the list is designed to align domestic production and investment with the country's most pressing medical needs. This strategic framework serves as a tool for planning and ensuring the sustainable availability of priority treatments based on national health trends. Authorities clarified that the adoption of this list does not currently alter existing social security reimbursement rates or pharmacy pricing. By establishing this reference, Algeria aims to reinforce its pharmaceutical sovereignty and support the sector's export ambitions, which saw pharmaceutical and medical device exports reach nearly $52 million in 2025 across 33 countries.