Algeria and Chad have taken a decisive step forward in their strategic partnership this week, formalizing two key agreements focused on public works and energy during reciprocal visits between N’Djamena and Algiers. The aim is to expedite commitments made earlier this year while reinforcing South-South cooperation.
Infrastructure cooperation gains momentum
In N’Djamena, Algeria’s Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, Abdelkader Djellaoui, and Chad’s Minister of Infrastructure, Desenclavement, and Road Maintenance, Amir Idriss Kourda, signed an agreement to streamline joint infrastructure projects. The signing occurred during the second day of an Algerian delegation’s working visit to Chad. During the meeting, Chad’s minister highlighted the rapid progress in implementing bilateral accords signed on April 22 in Algiers, emphasizing tangible advancements such as technical exchanges and the initiation of feasibility studies for the trans-Saharan highway project crossing Chadian territory.
40 MW power plant to energize N’Djamena
On the same day in Algiers, Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewables, Mourad Adjal, and Chad’s Minister of Water and Energy, Passalé Kanabé Marcelin, finalized an agreement to construct a 40-megawatt power plant in N’Djamena. This initiative aligns with Algeria’s policy of supporting African nations through enhanced South-South collaboration. The ministers explored broader cooperation in energy sectors, including electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as equipment supply and workforce training. Adjal confirmed that technical studies for the plant are complete, following a recent Sonelgaz team visit to Chad.
The two countries are now preparing to transport equipment ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony. Additionally, Chadian technical teams will undergo a month-long training program at Sonelgaz’s Algerian facilities to ensure smooth operation of the plant post-completion. The partnership also includes plans to rehabilitate N’Djamena’s electrical grid.
A historic milestone for regional energy cooperation
Chad’s Energy Minister, Passalé Kanabé Marcelin, described the agreement as a historic milestone, marking a turning point in Algeria-Chad relations. He noted that cooperation foundations were laid during President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno’s official visit to Algiers in April, praising Algeria’s growing influence as a regional energy leader. Marcelin also announced that 12 Chadian trainees are currently undergoing training in Algeria, with more groups expected to join.
Yazid Djellouli, CEO of Sonelgaz International, confirmed that the project will be entirely Algerian in execution, equipment supply, and workforce. Chadian authorities are set to begin site preparation while equipment transfers and construction kick off simultaneously. Djellouli added that Sonelgaz International, established earlier this year, has already received inquiries from multiple African nations for similar energy and infrastructure projects. Saleh Ben Haliki, Director-General of Chad’s electricity utility, hailed the initiative as a fruitful outcome of the renewed bilateral ties, reaffirming Chad’s commitment to leveraging Algeria’s recognized expertise in power sector development.
