Algerian Minister of State for Energy, Mohamed Arkab, recently hosted Cornelia Shilunga, Presidential Advisor to the Namibian President on Oil and Gas, and Head of the Oil Unit at the Namibian Ministry of Mines and Energy. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 14th edition of the Africa and Mediterranean Energy and Hydrogen Conference and Exhibition, "Naback 2026". According to a statement from the Algerian Ministry of Energy, Shilunga led a Namibian delegation on a working visit to Algeria to participate in the event.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both parties to explore ways to strengthen Algerian-Namibian cooperation in the hydrocarbons sector. They followed up on the consultation process launched during Shilunga's visit to Algeria on February 22, 2026, and the meeting between Arkab and Namibian Deputy President Lucia Witbooi on September 5, 2025, in Algiers. The two sides discussed potential areas of collaboration, including exploration, production, field development, refining, and gas processing.
Arkab and Shilunga reviewed opportunities for cooperation in various segments of the hydrocarbons value chain, including exploration, production, refining, petrochemicals, and gas processing. They also exchanged experiences in regulatory and legislative frameworks, training, studies, and technical services. Both parties emphasized the importance of implementing concrete projects and programs, enhancing technical assistance, and transferring expertise.
Arkab reiterated Algeria's commitment to continuing its support for Namibia's oil and gas sector development, leveraging Algeria's expertise, particularly in training and capacity building through specialized institutions under the Ministry of Energy. He also highlighted the potential for Sonatrach, Algeria's state-owned oil company, to increase its presence in Africa.
Shilunga expressed Namibia's desire to strengthen cooperation with Algeria and benefit from its experience in the hydrocarbons sector. She expressed particular interest in developing partnerships with Algerian companies, primarily Sonatrach, to enhance Namibia's oil and gas value chain and promote energy cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting between Arkab and Shilunga reflects the ongoing efforts of both countries to enhance bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. Algeria and Namibia have been exploring opportunities for collaboration in the hydrocarbons sector, with a focus on developing concrete projects and programs.
The discussions between Arkab and Shilunga are expected to contribute to the growth of the energy sector in both countries. The two countries aim to build on their existing cooperation and explore new opportunities for collaboration in the oil and gas sector.
Key points
- Algeria's Minister of Energy, Mohamed Arkab, met with Namibian Presidential Advisor Cornelia Shilunga to discuss cooperation in the oil and gas sector.
- The two countries aim to strengthen cooperation in various segments of the hydrocarbons value chain.
- Algeria expressed its commitment to supporting Namibia's oil and gas sector development, leveraging its expertise in training and capacity building.
