Algerian Minister of State for Energy, Mohamed Arkab, was received by Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tiani in Niamey on September 22, 2026. The meeting was attended by the Algerian ambassador to Niger and the CEO of state-owned energy company Sonatrach, Noureddine Dahoudi. The visit was undertaken at the instruction of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. During the meeting, Arkab conveyed President Tebboune's fraternal greetings to President Tiani and expressed Algeria's commitment to strengthening brotherly relations and cooperation between the two nations.
President Tiani reciprocated by asking Arkab to convey his greetings and appreciation to President Tebboune, reaffirming his country's commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation and supporting the partnership between the two countries. The leaders reviewed cooperation between Algeria and Niger, particularly in the energy sector, where they discussed various projects, including Sonatrach's activities in Niger, such as the Kufra oil exploration project.
President Tiani praised Algeria's expertise in the oil and gas industry, expressing Niger's desire to continue benefiting from Sonatrach's experience in exploration, development, production, refining, and petrochemicals. The two sides also discussed prospects for developing and exploiting new oil blocks proposed by Niger, including the Bilma block, as well as cooperation in refining and marketing.
The meeting highlighted the importance of developing the partnership between Sonatrach and Niger's SONIDEP, expanding it to cover all stages of the energy industry value chain. This would enable the optimal use of natural resources and enhance Niger's national capacities. The two countries also discussed the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) project, which aims to promote economic and social development and regional energy integration.
President Tiani emphasized the strategic importance of the TSGP project for the three participating countries and its potential to drive economic and social development. The two sides agreed on the need for continued coordination and joint efforts to advance the project, including the launch of a topographical survey and environmental impact studies.
Arkab reaffirmed Algeria's commitment to supporting Niger's development of its energy sector, in line with President Tebboune's directives. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between the two countries' energy institutions to promote the optimal use of energy resources, technology transfer, and capacity building.
The visit underscores Algeria's commitment to fostering cooperation and brotherhood with Niger, as well as its role in promoting regional energy integration and development. The two countries are expected to continue their collaboration in the energy sector, driving economic growth and social progress in the region.
Key points
- Algeria and Niger have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector, including oil and gas exploration, production, and refining.
- The two countries will work together to develop the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline project, promoting regional energy integration and economic development.
- Algeria has pledged to support Niger's development of its energy sector, including technology transfer and capacity building.
