The author proposes, through the present communication, introducing a debate framework around potencies of trade exchanges between Algeria and the African countries. He gives, to strengthen his arguments, the example of cross desert high way project by recalling, briefly, the origin and history of trade exchanges across the Sahara before mentioning reasons and objectives leading to the birth of this great project which gathers,  half-century ago, six countries (Algeria, Mali, Niger, Tunisia, Nigeria and Chad) around a built and confirmed cooperation. However, if the road construction, technical exchanges and training have led to significant results, the case will not be the same concerning the evolution of trade volume, remaining humble compared to consented investments.