The 14th Africa & Mediterranean Energy & Hydrogen Exhibition & Conference (NAPEC) has opened in Oran, Algeria, with a focus on investment opportunities in the country's energy sector. Minister of Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, addressed the conference, emphasizing the need for partnerships that are quickly operational and generate shared added value. He highlighted Algeria's ambition to strengthen its position as a reliable energy and industrial platform.
The NAPEC 2026 conference, which runs for three days, brings together national and international investors, industry leaders, and decision-makers to discuss the future of the global energy sector. The event is themed "From Energy Transition to Energy Addition," reflecting the need for a common approach to address energy security, investment, innovation, and decarbonization. Minister Arkab stressed the importance of cooperation and technology sharing to build more sustainable energy systems.
Arkab emphasized that Algeria is seeking concrete partnerships that can create jobs, develop skills, and generate added value. He expressed the country's willingness to work with various stakeholders on feasible and financeable projects that can drive growth and development. The minister highlighted the need for an "energy addition" approach, which involves building more flexible, efficient, and less carbon-intensive energy systems.
The minister discussed the challenges facing energy systems, noting that no single country or institution can address them alone. He stressed the importance of technical and technological cooperation, as well as expertise sharing, to build more sustainable energy systems. Arkab explained that the concept of "energy addition" involves constructing systems that can respond to development and industrialization needs while ensuring energy access and competitiveness.
Arkab highlighted Algeria's strategy for transition, emphasizing that natural gas will continue to play a significant role as a flexible energy source and essential fuel. He noted that the country is pursuing responsible and sustainable exploitation of its hydrocarbon resources, reinforcing its status as a reliable energy supplier. The minister cited efforts to develop and modernize the hydrocarbon sector, including investments in infrastructure and increased production capacity.
The Algeria Bid Round 2026 offers new investment and partnership opportunities, with bid submissions scheduled for January 2027 and contract signings in March 2027. Arkab also mentioned major projects, such as the trans-Saharan gas pipeline (TSGP), which aims to strengthen Algeria's role as a regional platform connecting African resources to Mediterranean and European markets.
The conference also highlighted Algeria's efforts to reduce emissions, with Sonatrach aiming to decrease gas flaring by 25% between 2020 and 2024. The country's hydrocarbon sector is working to improve efficiency, increase production, and develop local content. The NAPEC conference provides a platform for investors and industry leaders to explore opportunities in Algeria's energy sector and engage in discussions on the future of the global energy landscape.
Key points
- Algeria seeks concrete partnerships with investors to boost its energy sector and drive growth and development.
