Algeria’s Minister of State for Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, recently engaged in a significant videoconference discussion with Hamadou Tini, the Minister of Petroleum for the Republic of Niger. The talks centered on advancing bilateral collaboration within the crucial hydrocarbon sector, as confirmed by a ministry communiqué.
This high-level meeting, attended by senior officials from both Algerian and Nigerien ministries, provided an opportunity to review Sonatrach Group’s latest endeavors in the Republic of Niger. Particular attention was given to operations at the Kafra oil field block. These activities stem from the Algerian-Nigerien memorandum of understanding on hydrocarbons, inked on March 24, 2026. This agreement was a key outcome of the 2nd session of the Algerian-Nigerien Joint Cooperation Commission, co-chaired by Prime Ministers Sifi Ghrieb of Algeria and Ali Lamine Zeine of Niger.
Furthermore, the discussions facilitated a comprehensive assessment of the progress in development and exploration at the Kafra block. Both parties also monitored the coordination efforts between Sonatrach, operating through its subsidiary Sonatrach International Production and Exploration Corporation (SIPEX), and Niger’s national oil company, Société Nigérienne du Pétrole (SONIDEP).
During the meeting, both Algerian and Nigerien delegations emphasized the critical importance of integrating Nigerien enterprises and companies into ongoing energy projects. This initiative is designed to bolster local content development and provide robust support for Niger’s economic growth.
The ministers also explored avenues to deepen cooperation in several key areas: professional training, technology transfer, and the exchange of specialized expertise. Plans include organizing targeted training programs for technical staff and senior executives, alongside fostering partnerships between national companies from both nations, such as Sonatrach, SONIDEP, and Naftal. These collaborations are particularly vital for optimizing petroleum product transport, storage, distribution, and securing supply chains across the region.
Concluding their productive session, both ministers reiterated their firm collective commitment to continuously enhance bilateral cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector. They pledged to ensure the successful implementation of all agreed projects, thereby contributing significantly to economic development and strengthening energy integration between Algeria and Niger.
