Born in 1944, Issad Rebrab’s journey from an Algerian professional school graduate to becoming a prominent business magnate is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and determination. He spent his early career teaching accounting and commercial law, which provided valuable insights into financial matters. However, Rebrab soon transitioned into a different arena by establishing his own accounting firm, setting the stage for a remarkable career in the business world.

Venturing into Industry

Rebrab’s entry into the industrial sector occurred in 1971 when one of his clients proposed a unique opportunity. This opportunity led to Rebrab acquiring a 20% stake in Sotecom, a metallurgical construction company. As he delved deeper into the steel industry, he founded companies like Profilor in 1975 and Metal Sider in 1988. These ventures marked the beginning of his significant contributions to Algeria’s industrial landscape.

In 1995, a devastating terrorist attack destroyed his primary installations. Recognizing the security risks, Rebrab made the difficult decision to leave Algeria temporarily. However, his determination and commitment to the country persisted.

He returned in 1998 with the establishment of Cevital, which rapidly grew to become the largest private Algerian company. Specializing in various sectors, including agriculture, Cevital boasts one of the world’s largest sugar refineries, with an impressive annual production capacity of 2 million tons.

Media Ventures and Challenges

Issad Rebrab’s interests extended beyond industry, and in 2016, he acquired the El Khabar media group for $45 million. This marked his second foray into the media sector, as he also owned the French-Algerian daily newspaper, Liberte. However, in April 2022, Rebrab made the difficult decision to close Liberte.

On April 22, 2019, Issad Rebrab faced a significant legal challenge when he was incarcerated at the El Harrach prison based on the public prosecutor’s orders. His arrest was part of a broader corruption probe, which brought intense scrutiny and legal complexities.R

ebrab’s legal battles continued, and he was eventually sentenced to six months for tax, banking, and customs offenses. Despite this challenging period, he was released on January 1, 2020, after having spent a considerable time in custody, longer than his eventual sentence.

As of May 27, 2023, a court decision has imposed restrictions on Issad Rebrab, prohibiting him from any intention of engaging in commerce. This development signifies a potential shift in his career and future business endeavors.

Issad Rebrab: Personal Life

Beyond his professional life, Issad Rebrab enjoys a fulfilling personal life. He is married and has five children, illustrating the importance of family and balance in his life. Zatrun.com has conducted an in-depth exploration of Issad Rebrab’s remarkable journey, from his early life and career beginnings to his contributions to the industrial landscape and media ventures.

His challenges and legal battles have shaped his story, and his resilience serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. As he navigates through legal restrictions, the future holds new possibilities and opportunities for this Algerian business tycoon.