Admittedly a difficult market for small- to medium-sized U.S. companies to do business, Algeria nevertheless remains a potentially rewarding market for franchisees if only the government would change its laws affecting the repatriation of royalties.
Bachir Mihoubi, who was born in Algeria but lives in Atlanta, has more than 20 years of experience in 
international franchising and is the founder and managing director of the FranCounsel Group LLC.
Over the years, Mr. Mihoubi has developed an international network of franchise professionals around the world to assist companies establish themselves overseas.
He often participates in franchising conferences sponsored by the U.S. Commerce Department and most recently was in Algiers, Algeria’s capital, from Jan. 21-28. While there, he was interviewed about Algeria’s potential for franchising by an Algerian television network in French.
Upon his return to Atlanta, Mr. Mihoubi told Global Atlanta that as the largest country in Africa with a strong economic base due to its oil and natural gas reserves, Algeria is a dynamic market with great potential for U.S.-based franchisors once the laws are changed.
“Algeria needs its central bank to repatriate royalties to franchisors,” he said flatly. During the video, he discusses how the demands for maintaining standards are more rigorous for franchisees than they are for the distributors already in the country.
Mr. Mihoubi is optimistic about the opportunities for several food and service brands should the laws be changed.
To reach the FranCounsel Group, call 404-384-3317.
