The completion of the Gorou Banda power plant in Niamey, Niger, has set the stage for a new phase in Sonelgaz’s expansion across the continent. Orchestrated by its subsidiary, Sonelgaz-International, this 40-megawatt facility represents the Algerian company’s inaugural energy project on foreign soil. Building on this momentum, a similar infrastructure project is slated to begin shortly in N’Djamena, Chad.
New energy horizons in Chad
During the recent inauguration ceremonies in Niamey, the Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, Mourad Adjal, confirmed that the symbolic first stone for a 40-megawatt power station in N’Djamena will be laid in the coming days. This initiative is a direct result of the bilateral cooperation agreement established between Algeria and Chad last May, aimed at bolstering the Chadian capital’s electrical capacity.
Minister Adjal further highlighted that Sonelgaz-International is eyeing broader horizons, with several other African nations expressing interest in Algerian technical expertise. Specifically, countries like Côte d’Ivoire and Mozambique have shown significant interest. This expansion serves as a strategic platform to integrate both public and private Algerian enterprises into large-scale African infrastructure developments.
Success in Niger: A logistical triumph
The Gorou Banda plant in Niamey was officially commissioned by Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb, representing President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, in a ceremony attended by Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine. This project, which began in March shortly after diplomatic agreements were signed, has been described as a major industrial achievement.
Yazid Djellouli, the CEO of Sonelgaz-International, characterized the rapid construction as a logistical feat. Under the guidance of the Ministry of Energy and following presidential directives, the company established a massive “air bridge” to transport essential equipment. This operation involved over twenty cargo flights via Air Algérie Cargo and the mobilization of more than fifty specialized engineers and technicians on-site within a few months.
Impact and future prospects
The newly inaugurated plant is expected to increase Niger’s total national electricity production by approximately 20%, significantly stabilizing the power supply for the capital city. Beyond immediate generation, Sonelgaz-International is conducting technical studies to modernize and reinforce the Nigerien power grid, particularly along the Niamey-Agadez corridor.
According to the group’s leadership, the experience gained from managing 8,000 MW and 4,000 MW programs alongside global firms has allowed Algeria to export its specialized knowledge effectively. In addition to technical work, the partnership includes human capital development. Khalil Hedna, the Ministry’s communication director, noted that Nigerien staff have already received training in the operation and maintenance of these new systems. Furthermore, plans for a local spare parts distribution hub are currently being evaluated.
Fati Abarchi, the Director General of NIGELEC, praised the collaboration, describing the partnership with Sonelgaz-International as an exceptional experience that will leave a lasting mark on the history of Niger’s energy sector.
