Algerian and Nigerien officials have announced that their countries are building a strong foundation for cooperation in the energy sector. Nigerien Petroleum Minister, Hamadou Tini, stated that the partnership between the two nations goes beyond a series of projects and will form the backbone needed for the Sahel region. This cooperation includes several tangible files, showing significant progress and improvement.
Minister Tini expressed his gratitude to Algerian Minister of State for Energy, Mohamed Arkab, for his country's willingness to accompany Niger in the hydrocarbons sector. Tini highlighted that the cooperation between Niger and Algeria has entered a phase of implementation, with ambitions to connect exploration, production, transformation, transportation, and training to create greater added value for both countries and the region.
The Nigerien minister emphasized that his country seeks a long-term partnership with Algeria, with Algeria playing a strategic partner role. He cited the example of the Koura project, where Algerian company Sonatrach is involved, and noted that Niger wants to build on this cooperation to develop its own capacities. Tini stressed that the goal is not just to extract raw materials but to move towards manufacturing and transformation.
Tini revealed that Niger has estimated energy potential of around 2.5 billion barrels, with further exploration needed to confirm these reserves. He highlighted the Koura project, which has made significant progress, with drilling reaching a depth of over 700 meters. The project aims to provide accurate answers to key questions about the field's extent, oil characteristics, and extraction potential.
The minister emphasized the importance of transferring Algerian expertise to Niger to build a generation of Nigerien engineers and a mechanism for transferring skills. He announced plans to develop targeted training programs with Algerian partners, including on-site training and secondment of Nigerien staff to Algeria. Tini stressed that the long-term goal is to enable Nigeriens to manage an increasing share of operations.
Tini confirmed that cooperation with Algeria may extend to other fields, including the Bilma field and others, subject to technical, legal, and economic studies. He noted that Sonatrach is a good partner and that Niger aims to build a sustainable portfolio of oil projects with Algeria. The two countries are also working on a gas pipeline project across the Sahara, with significant strategic implications for the region.
The cooperation between Algeria and Niger also covers refining and marketing, with Niger seeking to boost its refining capacity and improve its negotiating position in crude oil marketing. Tini announced plans to sign additional agreements with Algeria, including in the petrochemicals sector. The two countries are working to strengthen their partnership in the energy sector, with a focus on sustainable development and regional cooperation.
