Mohamed Tahar Benhamadi, originally from Ras El Oued in the Bordj Bou Arréridj province, began his career in the late 1940s in post-war Algeria. Self-taught and visionary, he founded a small family business in trade and transportation in 1948, laying the foundations of what would become one of Algeria’s leading industrial groups.
In 1954, the BENHAMADI Group, operating under the name “ANTAR TRADE,” was officially registered in the commercial register.
Known respectfully as “El Hadj,” he gradually expanded into construction materials, logistics, agribusiness, public works, and industry, following a strategy focused on local integration. During the 1990s and 2000s, he brought his sons into the business and established several diversified subsidiaries, including CONDOR ELECTRONICS, BORDJ STEEL, ARGILOR, AGLOTUBES, and EXTRA BENHAMADI.
Upon his passing in 2018, he left behind a legacy built on hard work, transmission of knowledge, and commitment to regional development. Today, his family continues to build upon that legacy, strengthening the group’s presence in Algeria and internationally.
Mohamed Tahar Benhamadi, founder of the BENHAMADI Group, had ten children. Each pursued a unique path in higher education, politics, or business. Some joined the family business after independent careers, while others entered it from the start of their professional lives. Over time, several family members gained prominence on both the national and international stage.
In 2002, under the leadership of Abderrahmane Benhamadi, the BENHAMADI Group officially became the CONDOR Group.
Initially active in construction and public works, the group successfully diversified into household appliances and mobile technologies. Within less than a decade, CONDOR emerged as a national leader, generating revenues of approximately USD 500 million by 2013. Headquartered in Bordj Bou Arréridj, at the heart of a technological hub, the group’s headquarters symbolize its commitment to innovation while remaining deeply rooted in its region of origin.
Today, CONDOR is Algeria’s second-largest private company by revenue. Operating across Africa, Europe, and Asia/Middle East, the group generated more than USD 1 billion in household appliance revenues in 2024.
It should be noted that public procurement contracts account for less than 1% of the group’s overall business activity.
With nearly 17,000 employees, CONDOR is now among Algeria’s largest private-sector employers.
CONDOR ELECTRONICS is the group’s flagship subsidiary and a leading player in electronics and household appliances both in Algeria and internationally, particularly in Europe and the Maghreb region.
CONDOR was the first Algerian brand to participate in the Mobile World Congress, the world’s leading event for the mobile industry.
Recognized for its commitment to innovation and quality, the company offers modern, reliable, and accessible products tailored to the needs of both households and businesses, reinforcing its position across national and regional markets.
The CONDOR Group maintains numerous partnerships with international brands through licensed manufacturing and distribution across Africa. This strategy strengthens its regional presence while preserving its independence from political and economic fluctuations.
Its growth is driven by a strategy centered on technology and human capital, the latter being considered one of the company’s fundamental pillars of success.
The development of the BENHAMADI Group has not been without challenges, particularly within complex economic and political environments.
Since 2019, Algeria has undergone significant institutional and judicial changes. Within this context, certain executives of the CONDOR Group from the Benhamadi family became the subject of legal proceedings concerning alleged misconduct, particularly in relation to public contracts and administrative dealings.
To avoid ambiguity arising from media coverage and social media discussions, it is important to clarify certain facts.
These proceedings took place within a broader national effort to strengthen transparency, reform, and ethical standards in economic life.
The initial court rulings were subsequently reviewed through the appeals process. The first-instance judgments were overturned, resulting in full acquittals.
The judiciary therefore officially cleared the CONDOR executives of the allegations brought against them.
The « CONDOR » Trial: clarifications regarding the court decisions
In 2021, the Economic and Financial Division of the Algiers Court sentenced Mr. Abderrahmane Benhamadi and two of his brothers to prison terms and fines.
A total of 63 additional defendants were also involved in the proceedings.
The allegations included money laundering, abuse of office, unlawful contracting practices, hidden financing, and the granting of undue advantages.
During the appeal proceedings, Mr. Abderrahmane Benhamadi firmly contested all charges. He emphasized that CONDOR’s growth was primarily driven by Algeria’s policies encouraging private investment rather than by public procurement contracts, which represent approximately 1% of the company’s turnover.
Following the appeal process and after reviewing all evidence presented, the initial convictions were overturned and the CONDOR executives were acquitted. The 63 co-defendants were likewise cleared.
Algiers Court Judgment
((Registry n° 00007/2021)
In its ruling of December 6, 2021, the Criminal Chamber of the Algiers Court acquitted the CONDOR Group executives accused of money laundering and related offenses.
Following an extensive financial investigation, the judges concluded that no proven link existed between the defendants and the alleged offenses.
Aware of contemporary challenges, the CONDOR Group reaffirms its commitment to corporate responsibility, transparency, and ethical standards aligned with international best practices.
« We remain faithful to our father's vision: building an industrial group that serves our region, our nation, and showcases Algeria’s industrial potential. »
[Abderrahmane Benhamadi]
The Four Core Values of the BENHAMADI Group :
The Benhamadi Group remains deeply rooted in Ras El Oued and the Bordj Bou Arréridj region. It demonstrates a strong commitment to local development, regional employment, and direct economic impact.
The group fosters a culture of industrial entrepreneurship focused on innovation, diversification, and adaptation to emerging markets.
Driven by a demanding vision of quality and performance, CONDOR pursues a path of industrial excellence that is regularly recognized by the media and industry observers.
Algeria’s highest state institutions and major economic bodies acknowledge the company’s significant contribution to national development.
Following the legal proceedings involving certain executives, who were ultimately acquitted, these institutions supported the full rehabilitation of CONDOR and reaffirmed their confidence in the company.
Faithful to its civic values, the BENHAMADI Group actively contributes to Algeria’s development. It supports local sports associations and invests in youth education and training, helping young people integrate into the workforce while fostering regional economic vitality.
