Alger and Niamey strengthen energy ties in hydrocarbon sector

In a significant development for regional energy collaboration, Algeria’s Minister of State for Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, engaged in a high-level virtual discussion with Niger’s Minister of Petroleum, Hamadou Tini, to explore ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in the hydrocarbon industry.

The meeting, which included key officials from both ministries, centered on the operational progress of the Algerian group Sonatrach in Niger, particularly at the Kafra oil field. This follows the landmark signing of an Algerian-Nigerien hydrocarbon cooperation memorandum on March 24, 2026, during the second session of the joint Algerian-Nigerien high-level commission, co-chaired by Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb and Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine.

The discussions provided an opportunity to assess the development stages of the Kafra block’s infrastructure and exploration activities, as well as to evaluate the coordination between Sonatrach International Production and Exploration Corporation (SIPEX) and Niger’s national oil company, SONIDEP.

Highlighting the importance of local engagement, both sides emphasized the need to involve Nigerien enterprises in hydrocarbon projects, aligning with efforts to boost local content and stimulate economic growth within the country. Additionally, they explored strategies to enhance collaboration in training, technology transfer, and expertise exchange, including the establishment of targeted training programs for local professionals and fostering partnerships between national companies like Sonatrach, SONIDEP, and Naftal.

These partnerships aim to strengthen logistics, storage, distribution, and safeguarding of petroleum supply chains, ensuring a more resilient and integrated energy framework between the two nations.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to advancing bilateral hydrocarbon cooperation and expediting agreed-upon initiatives that will contribute to economic development and deeper energy integration across the region.