Historic agreements signed to bolster infrastructure and energy cooperation
Algeria and Chad have taken a significant step forward in their strategic partnership, marking a new phase in South-South collaboration. Two key agreements were signed this week, one focusing on infrastructure development and the other on energy, during reciprocal visits between N’Djamena and Algiers. These accords aim to accelerate the implementation of commitments made in April, reinforcing bilateral ties and advancing shared development goals.
Trans-Saharan corridor gains momentum
In N’Djamena, Algeria’s Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, Abdelkader Djellaoui, and Chad’s Minister of Infrastructure, Unblocking, and Road Maintenance, Amir Idriss Kourda, formalized a framework agreement to streamline cooperation in infrastructure projects. The signing followed a coordination meeting on the second day of Algeria’s working visit to Chad. During the discussions, Kourda highlighted the rapid progress being made in fulfilling the bilateral agreements signed in Algiers on April 22, noting tangible advancements such as technical exchanges and the initiation of feasibility studies for the trans-Saharan road project crossing Chad.
N’Djamena to gain 40 MW power plant
Concurrently in Algiers, Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewables, Mourad Adjal, and Chad’s Minister of Water and Energy, Passalé Kanabé Marcelin, signed an agreement for the construction of a 40-megawatt power plant in N’Djamena. The deal aligns with Algeria’s commitment to supporting African nations and promoting South-South cooperation. The ministers explored broader energy collaboration, covering electricity production, transmission, and distribution, as well as the supply of electrical and gas equipment and workforce training.
Adjal confirmed that technical studies for the project are complete, following a recent visit by Sonelgaz teams to Chad. Both parties are now preparing for the procurement of necessary equipment ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony. Additionally, Chadian technicians will undergo a month-long training program at Algeria’s Sonelgaz schools to ensure the plant’s future operation. The collaboration will also include rehabilitation work on N’Djamena’s electrical grid.
Milestone for South-South cooperation
For Marcelin, the agreement represents a “historic milestone” in Algeria-Chad relations, rooted in the foundations laid during Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno’s official visit to Algiers in April. He praised Algeria’s role as a regional leader in energy, emphasizing the country’s growing influence in electricity generation and distribution across Africa. Marcelin also noted that 12 Chadian trainees are currently undergoing training in Algeria, with additional cohorts expected to follow.
Yazid Djellouli, CEO of Sonelgaz International, emphasized that the power plant will be entirely Algerian in terms of design, equipment, and labor. Chadian authorities are set to finalize site preparations while equipment transfers and construction activities commence. Sonelgaz International, established earlier this year, has already received inquiries from other African nations seeking similar energy and infrastructure projects. Saleh Ben Haliki, Director-General of Chad’s national electricity company, hailed the initiative as one of the first tangible outcomes of the renewed Algeria-Chad relationship, reaffirming Chad’s eagerness to leverage Algeria’s recognized expertise in expanding electricity access.
