Sonatrach, Algeria's state-owned oil and gas company, is strengthening its cooperation with Niger in the hydrocarbons sector. The company has been present in Niger since 2005 and has initiated new discussions with the Nigerien government to enhance bilateral cooperation. A comprehensive program has been developed with Sonidep, Niger's oil and gas company, covering exploration, production, transformation, transportation, marketing, and training. This program aims to boost cooperation between the two countries.
The cooperation between Sonatrach and Sonidep has gained momentum recently, driven by the high authorities of both countries. Fayçal Laraba, Sonatrach's vice-president for strategy and planning, outlined the key aspects of this cooperation, highlighting Sonatrach's presence in Niger's upstream oil and gas sector through the Kafra project in southeastern Niger. The project has involved several exploration and appraisal campaigns, resulting in positive drilling outcomes, including the discovery of Kafra 1.
Sonatrach has conducted seismic exploration and appraisal campaigns in the Kafra area over the past 21 years, leading to the discovery of Kafra 1. The company is now entering a new phase to better assess the hydrocarbon potential of the region. A minimum program involving four wells is planned over the next two years, with the ambition of achieving more significant development of the field. This new phase aims to further evaluate the accumulation of hydrocarbon potential in the area.
In addition to drilling operations, Sonatrach aims to support its Nigerien partner in developing competencies and preparing necessary infrastructure for future production. The company is identifying Sonidep's training needs and reflecting on the technical means to ensure exploitation, transportation, and marketing of crude oil. This approach is based on a partnership principle, where both countries will find their interests.
The Algerian-Nigerien cooperation is built on an equal partnership principle, with each country benefiting from the agreement. Sonatrach plans to expand its involvement beyond the Kafra project, including strengthening the training of Nigerien human resources in anticipation of future production developments. Two Algerian structures, the Algerian Petroleum Institute (IAP) and the Sonatrach Management Academy (SMA), will contribute to this effort.
Sonatrach is preparing programs and formalizing Niger's needs in human resources, with a focus on training in the oil and gas industry. The cooperation between Algeria and Niger also covers the trans-Saharan gas pipeline project, which will connect Nigeria to Algeria via Niger. The project is expected to enhance the transportation of African natural gas to markets.
The topographical operation for the trans-Saharan gas pipeline project is set to begin in October in Niger. This operation will determine the pipeline's route on Nigerien territory, marking a new step in the project's progress. The project is a tripartite agreement between Algeria, Niger, and Nigeria to develop infrastructure for transporting African natural gas.
Key points
- Sonatrach is accelerating its deployment in Niger with new energy projects, including the Kafra project and the trans-Saharan gas pipeline.
- The Algerian-Nigerien cooperation is based on an equal partnership principle, with a focus on training and developing Nigerien human resources.
- The trans-Saharan gas pipeline project is expected to start its topographical operation in October, marking a significant step in the project's development.
