Algeria and Chad boost energy and infrastructure ties with landmark agreements

Algeria and Chad have taken a significant step forward in their strategic partnership this week, signing two pivotal agreements focused on public works and energy during reciprocal visits to N’Djamena and Algiers. The aim is to fast-track commitments made in April and deepen South-South cooperation.

Infrastructure collaboration gains momentum

In N’Djamena, Algeria’s Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, Abdelkader Djellaoui, and Chad’s Minister of Infrastructure, Unblocking, and Road Maintenance, Amir Idriss Kourda, formalized an agreement to streamline infrastructure cooperation projects. The signing took place during the second day of Algeria’s working visit to Chad, following a coordination meeting. The Chadian minister praised the rapid progress in implementing the bilateral accords signed on April 22 in Algiers, highlighting on-the-ground advancements such as joint technical assessments and the initiation of feasibility studies for the trans-Saharan highway crossing Chad.

40 MW power plant to electrify N’Djamena

On the same day in Algiers, Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewables, Mourad Adjal, and Chad’s Minister of Water and Energy, Passalé Kanabé Marcelin, signed an agreement for a 40-megawatt power plant in N’Djamena. This initiative aligns with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s vision to support African nations and bolster South-South collaboration. Discussions also covered broader energy cooperation, including electricity production, transmission, and distribution, as well as equipment supply, gas infrastructure, and workforce training.

Adjal confirmed that technical studies for the project are complete, following a recent Sonelgaz team visit to Chad. Both sides are now preparing for equipment exports ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony. Chadian technicians will undergo a month-long training program in Algeria to ensure smooth operation of the plant post-completion. The partnership also includes plans to upgrade N’Djamena’s aging power grid.

A milestone for South-South cooperation

Passalé Kanabé Marcelin hailed the agreement as a historic milestone and a testament to the deepening Algerian-Chadian relationship. He noted that the foundations for this cooperation were laid during Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno’s official visit to Algiers in April. Marcelin expressed gratitude to President Tebboune for Algeria’s energy support, calling Algeria a regional benchmark for electricity generation. He added that 12 Chadian trainees are currently undergoing training in Algeria, with more programs planned.

Yazid Djellouli, CEO of Sonelgaz International, emphasized that the plant will be fully Algerian in design, equipment, and labor. Chadian authorities are set to begin site preparation soon, coinciding with equipment transfers and construction kickoff. He revealed that Sonelgaz International, launched in March, has already received multiple inquiries from African countries for similar energy and infrastructure projects.

Saleh Ben Haliki, Director-General of Chad’s national utility company, described the project as the first tangible outcome of the new era in Algerian-Chadian relations. He reaffirmed Chad’s commitment to leveraging Algeria’s recognized expertise in electricity access, now seen as a gold standard across the continent.