Algeria and Niger kick off oil exploration in Kafra South

In a landmark move to deepen bilateral ties, Algerian and Nigerien officials have officially inaugurated the drilling of the exploratory well Kafra South-East 1 in the northern Nigerien basin of Kafra. The ceremony, held this Thursday, marks a pivotal step in the energy cooperation between North and West Africa.

Strategic energy project in the Kafra field

The event took place at the Kafra oil field, where Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb, representing President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, joined Niger’s Head of Government Ali Lamine Zeine Mahaman to preside over the launch. Welcomed by a high-level Nigerien delegation—including government ministers and senior officials—the Algerian delegation included key figures such as:

• Mohamed Arkab, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Hydrocarbons;
• Lounès Magramane, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
• Noureddine Daoudi, CEO of Algeria’s national oil company Sonatrach;
• Saadi Ahmed, Algerian Ambassador to Niger.

The drilling of Kafra South-East 1 signifies Sonatrach’s direct involvement in unlocking Niger’s untapped oil potential.

From political pledges to economic action

This initiative is a direct response to the shared vision outlined by Presidents Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Abdourahamane Tiani during their strategic talks. Both leaders have emphasized the need to transform diplomatic collaboration into tangible economic cooperation, particularly in energy and industrial sectors.

Key insight: The launch of Kafra’s drilling operations signals a shift from diplomatic rapprochement to hands-on economic and industrial partnership, with a sharp focus on hydrocarbons and energy development.

Investment momentum boosts regional growth

This project follows recent milestones, including the inauguration of the Niamey power plant, and aligns with decisions made during the second session of the Algerian-Nigerien High-Level Joint Cooperation Commission in March 2026. By fast-tracking these initiatives, both nations aim to unlock cross-border investment opportunities and foster sustainable economic growth across the region.