The 14th edition of the North African Petroleum and Gas Conference and Exhibition, NAPAC 2026, has commenced in Oran, Algeria. The event has drawn high-level delegations from various continents, providing a platform for discussions on enhancing cooperation and partnerships in the hydrocarbons sector. Algerian Minister of State for Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, has been actively engaged in the event, meeting with several ministers and high-level delegations.
During the conference, Arkab met with the Executive President of the Thai company PTTEP, Kanita Thanintara Sartwataikul, to discuss ways to strengthen and expand cooperation between Algeria's Sonatrach and the Thai company in the hydrocarbons sector. The two parties reviewed the status of their existing cooperation, particularly in the development and exploitation of the Hassi Bir Rekaiz field in the Berkine basin.
Algeria's Sonatrach and Vietnam's PVEP have signed two agreement for studies to evaluate opportunities to improve hydrocarbon recovery from the Rourd El Bâquel and Lake Issa fields in the Berkine region. Each agreement has a duration of 12 months. These agreements reflect the dynamism in Algeria's hydrocarbons sector and its increasing openness to international partnerships and investments.
Arkab also met with the CEO of Oman's Qalco, Mahmoud Al Hashmi, to discuss enhancing partnerships between Sonatrach and Qalco in hydrocarbons exploration and production, petrochemistry, and the development of the liquefied natural gas industry. The two parties emphasized the importance of intensifying communication between their technical teams to explore and implement partnership projects with added value.
The Algerian Minister of State for Hydrocarbons also met with a delegation from Oman's Petrogas, where they focused on the reality and prospects of cooperation between the two parties in hydrocarbons exploration and production. This meeting built on a memorandum of understanding signed between the two parties in May, which concerns exploring new investment opportunities in the Algerian market.
Arkab met with the Special Advisor to the President of Namibia on Oil and Gas, Cornelius Shihepo, where the Algerian side reiterated its readiness to continue supporting Namibia in developing its oil and gas sector. Algeria aims to share its expertise, particularly in training competencies and enhancing Sonatrach's presence in Africa through south-south partnerships.
The NAPAC 2026 conference in Oran has facilitated multiple meetings and agreements between Algerian officials and international companies, demonstrating Algeria's commitment to developing its hydrocarbons sector through partnerships and investments. These interactions reflect Algeria's growing importance as an investment destination in the energy sector.
Key points
- Algeria's hydrocarbons sector is actively engaging with international companies to foster cooperation and investment.
- The NAPAC 2026 conference in Oran has provided a platform for high-level discussions on energy cooperation and investment.
- Algeria aims to leverage its expertise in the hydrocarbons sector to support other African countries, such as Namibia, in developing their oil and gas industries.
