Cooperation in the hydrocarbons sector between Algeria and Niger is poised to intensify following a memorandum of understanding signed by both sides during the high-level joint commission. The pact aims to foster collaboration between their energy firms through shared ventures. This was outlined this Wednesday in a statement from Algeria’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mines.
The deal was inked by State Minister for Hydrocarbons and Mines Mohamed Arkab and Niger’s Petroleum Minister Hamadou Tini, as part of efforts to solidify bilateral bonds and broaden energy partnerships.
The signing ceremony unfolded Tuesday on the sidelines of the second session of the Algeria-Niger Joint Cooperation Commission, held March 23-24 in Niamey, Niger’s capital. It was co-chaired by Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb and his Nigerien counterpart, Ali Lamine Zeine Mahaman, with a large ministerial delegation and senior officials in attendance.
At its core, the memorandum targets joint projects across the hydrocarbon value chain—from exploration and production to geological studies, technical and scientific data sharing, and stronger ties between national companies. It promotes bilateral synergy “grounded in mutual benefit and compliance with each nation’s laws,” the ministry stressed.
Key focus areas include ongoing exploration at the Kafra field in northern Niger, upgrades to boost Soraz refinery efficiency, and expansion of the Dosso petrochemical hub.
Another centerpiece: the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP), whose scale and strategic weight are undeniable. Delegations emphasized “coordination for its rollout,” alongside expertise swaps on technical and environmental facets.
The agreement also advances training, technology transfer, expert exchanges, and business links—mirroring partnerships like Sonatrach, Naftal, and Sonidep—in transport, storage, distribution, and supply chain security.
The ministry added that Arkab held bilateral talks last Monday with Tini and Niger’s Mines Minister Abarchi Ousmane, exploring ways to deepen cooperation in their portfolios.