Algerian Minister of State for Energy, Mohamed Arkab, was received by Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tiani in Niamey, the capital city of Niger, on September 22, 2026. The meeting was attended by the Algerian ambassador to Niger and the CEO of Sonatrach, Noor Eddine Dawdi. During the meeting, Arkab conveyed the greetings of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to President Tiani and expressed Algeria's commitment to strengthening brotherhood and cooperation between the two nations.
President Tiani tasked Arkab with conveying his greetings and appreciation to President Tebboune, reaffirming his country's commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation and supporting the South-South partnership and African cooperation. The meeting provided an opportunity to review cooperation between Algeria and Niger, particularly in the energy sector, with a focus on projects that embody the existing partnership between the two countries, including Sonatrach's activities in Niger.
The two leaders discussed various projects, including the exploration and production of hydrocarbons in the Kufra oil field. 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 petrochemistry. The meeting also touched on the development and exploitation of new oil blocks proposed by Niger, including the Bilma block.
The two sides emphasized the importance of developing the partnership between Sonatrach and Niger's SONIDEP, expanding it to cover all stages of the hydrocarbon industry, and allowing for the optimal use of natural resources and enhancement of Niger's national capacities. The Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) project was also a key topic of discussion, with President Tiani stressing its strategic importance for the three countries and its role in supporting economic and social development.
Arkab reaffirmed Algeria's commitment to supporting Niger in developing its energy sector, in line with President Tebboune's directives. He emphasized the importance of continued coordination and joint action to drive the project's progress, including the launch of a topographic survey of the pipeline's route on Nigerien territory. The meeting was part of Arkab's working visit to Niger, which was authorized by President Tebboune.
The Algerian and Nigerien leaders discussed cooperation in refining, particularly the major maintenance work at the Zinder refinery, and joint marketing of Nigerien crude oil. They also explored opportunities for cooperation in training and capacity building. The visit aimed to strengthen ties between the two countries and promote economic cooperation.
The meeting between Arkab and Tiani reflects the strong bilateral relations between Algeria and Niger, with a focus on enhancing cooperation in the energy sector. The two countries have a long history of cooperation, and this meeting aimed to build on existing partnerships and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
Key points
- Algeria and Niger have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector, particularly in hydrocarbon exploration and production.
- The two countries will work together to develop the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline project.
- Algeria will continue to support Niger in developing its energy sector, including training and capacity building.
