Algeria and Niger Strengthen Energy Partnership

Algerian Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab met with Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tiani in Niamey to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in the energy sector. The meeting was attended by Algerian Ambassador to Niamey Ahmed Saadi and Sonatrach CEO Noureddine Dahoudi. Arkab conveyed greetings from Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and expressed Algeria's commitment to deepening ties with Niger.

President Tiani emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation and supporting the partnership between Sonatrach and Niger's state-owned oil company, SONIDEP. The two leaders reviewed the current state of cooperation in the energy sector, including Sonatrach's activities in Niger, particularly the Kufra oil project. Tiani praised Algeria's expertise in the oil and gas industry and expressed Niger's desire to benefit from Sonatrach's experience.

Arkab and Tiani discussed the development of new oil blocks proposed by Niger, including the Bilma block. They also explored cooperation in refining, particularly the maintenance of the Zinder refinery, and joint marketing of Nigerien crude oil. The two leaders stressed the need to expand the partnership between Sonatrach and SONIDEP to cover all stages of the energy value chain.

The Trans-Saharan gas pipeline project was a key topic of discussion. President Tiani highlighted the project's strategic importance in promoting economic and social development and regional integration. The two leaders agreed to accelerate the project's implementation, including conducting a topographical survey of the pipeline route on Nigerien territory and environmental impact studies.

Arkab also met with Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, who emphasized the historical and fraternal relations between Algeria and Niger. Zeine praised Sonatrach's role in developing Niger's energy sector and expressed his country's desire to strengthen cooperation with Algeria. Arkab reaffirmed Algeria's commitment to supporting Niger's energy development through knowledge transfer and capacity building.

The two countries have agreed to enhance cooperation in the energy sector, including the development of new oil and gas projects. The partnership is expected to boost economic growth and energy security in both countries. Algeria's Sonatrach has been active in Niger for several years, with a focus on exploration, production, and refining.

The strengthened energy partnership between Algeria and Niger is seen as a significant step towards promoting regional integration and cooperation in the Sahel region. The two countries have a long history of cooperation, and the agreement is expected to have a positive impact on the economic and social development of the region.

Key points

• Algeria and Niger have agreed to accelerate the completion of the Trans-Saharan gas pipeline.
• The two countries will strengthen cooperation in the energy sector, including the development of new oil and gas projects.
• The partnership is expected to boost economic growth and energy security in both countries.