Algeria and Chad have sealed a landmark agreement for the construction of a 40-megawatt power plant in N’Djamena. The deal, signed in Algiers on Thursday, underscores a growing partnership between the two nations in the energy sector.
Mourad Adjal, Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, and Passalé Kanabé Marcelin, Chad’s Minister of Water and Energy, formalized the accord, which aims to bolster bilateral ties and align with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s vision of strengthening South-South cooperation.
Project details and technical readiness
The signing followed productive discussions between the two ministers, who reviewed avenues for deeper collaboration in energy and renewable resources. Their talks focused on concrete initiatives to enhance cooperation in electricity generation, transmission, distribution, equipment supply, and workforce training.
Adjal confirmed that technical studies for the project have been finalized. He noted that Sonelgaz engineering teams recently conducted assessments in Chad to prepare for the next phase, including equipment exports and groundbreaking. He also announced the upcoming arrival of Chadian technicians for a month-long training program in Algeria’s Sonelgaz training centers. These teams will be responsible for operating the plant once operational. The agreement also includes plans to upgrade N’Djamena’s electrical grid.
Algeria’s energy leadership praised
Marcelin hailed the agreement as a «historic milestone» in South-South cooperation and a key step in strengthening Algeria-Chad relations. He recalled that during President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno’s official visit to Algeria in April, both countries laid the groundwork for a robust partnership.
He expressed deep appreciation for Algeria’s support in the energy sector, calling the country a «true benchmark» across Africa for its electricity generation capabilities. Marcelin emphasized Chad’s eagerness to leverage Algeria’s expertise, highlighting that 12 Chadian trainees are currently undergoing training in Algeria, with more expected to follow.
A fully Algerian-led endeavor
Yazid Djellouli, CEO of Sonelgaz International, emphasized that the N’Djamena power plant will be «100% Algerian» in design, equipment, and labor. He confirmed that Chadian authorities are set to begin site preparation, equipment transfer, and construction shortly. Djellouli also revealed that Sonelgaz International has received multiple inquiries from African nations since its establishment in March, reflecting strong regional interest in Algerian energy expertise.
Saleh Ben Haliki, Director-General of Chadian Electricity (TchadElec), praised the project as a milestone in the new Algeria-Chad energy partnership. He highlighted Chad’s commitment to adopting Algeria’s best practices, noting that Algeria has become a «true model» in reliable electricity supply across the continent.
