Algeria and Niger boost energy cooperation with new drilling project
Kafra Sud-Est 1
Acting on behalf of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb journeyed to Niger on Thursday. His mission was to oversee, alongside his Nigerien counterpart Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, the official commencement of drilling operations for the Kafra Sud-Est 1 exploration well. This pivotal undertaking signifies a fresh chapter in the strategic partnership between Alger and Niamey, simultaneously bolstering Sonatrach’s growing presence within Niger.
Upon his arrival at the Kafra oil field, situated in northern Niger approximately 85 kilometers from the Algerian border, the Prime Minister received a warm welcome from his Nigerien counterpart, accompanied by government officials and senior national leaders. This visit unfolds amidst a shared determination by both nations’ leaders to infuse new vitality into Algeria-Niger relations, elevating them from political rapprochement to tangible economic and energy collaboration.
The initiation of drilling at Kafra Sud-Est 1 directly embodies this evolving dynamic. It represents one of the earliest on-the-ground manifestations of a collective ambition to enhance joint ventures in critical sectors, particularly energy and hydrocarbons.
Sifi Ghrieb emphasized that this operation constitutes “a new cornerstone” in the strategic partnership uniting Algeria and Niger. He highlighted that the project follows just weeks after the inauguration of the Niamey power plant.
“We convene today, two months and ten days after the commissioning of the Niamey power plant, to collectively lay another foundation stone for our strategic partnership,” the Prime Minister declared during the official ceremony.
This renewed momentum stems from the expressed desire of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and his Nigerien counterpart, General of the Army Abdourahamane Tiani, to solidify bilateral relations and translate their political will into concrete programs and projects.
It also aligns with the implementation of conclusions from the second session of the Grand Algerian-Nigerien Joint Cooperation Commission, held on March 23 and 24, 2026, in Niamey.
A high-stakes exploration operation
The drilling of the Kafra Sud-Est 1 well is part of extensive exploration efforts aimed at comprehensively assessing the Kafra field’s oil potential before considering any future development and production phases. For Sonatrach, the stakes are thus multifaceted: energetic, industrial, and strategic. The Algerian group is committed to leveraging its expertise for this operation while firmly establishing its long-term presence in Niger. The project involves several of the group’s subsidiaries. The National Drilling Company (Enafor) is responsible for coordinating the human, technical, and logistical resources required for the well’s completion. The National Well Services Company (ENSP) contributes its specialized expertise, while the National Geophysics Company (ENG) provides its knowledge for geophysical operations. This concerted effort showcases Algerian proficiency in the hydrocarbon sector, allowing Sonatrach to unite multiple competencies around a single international project.
Enafor’s CEO, Brahim Hammoudi, clearly articulated this ambition, underscoring the company’s intent to “solidify its presence in Niger within the framework of a sustainable cooperation vision.”
Beyond the technical execution of drilling, Kafra Sud-Est 1 is poised to serve as a showcase for Algerian drilling expertise, simultaneously enabling Enafor to deepen its experience in international markets.
Niger, a partner set for increasing prominence
Cooperation between the two nations is not expected to be confined to exploration activities. A memorandum of understanding signed on June 2 between Enafor and the Nigerien National Petroleum Company (Sonidep) outlines the study for establishing a joint venture specializing in drilling. This initiative could pave the way for more profound industrial cooperation, particularly focused on skills transfer, human resource training, and strengthening local capabilities. For Algeria, this means expanding its companies’ operations in Niger while contributing to the development of the Nigerien oil industry. For Niamey, this partnership offers an invaluable opportunity to benefit from the extensive experience and expertise of a petroleum group with a long history in hydrocarbon exploration and production.
Four exploration wells planned
Kafra Sud-Est 1 also represents the initial milestone in a broader exploration program. According to Rabah Bouchak, SIPEX Director in Niger, Sonatrach anticipates launching four exploration wells in northern Niger over the next two years. This schedule reflects the group’s increasing interest in the region’s energy potential and reaffirms its commitment to progressively strengthening its foothold in Niger.
Studies and work conducted to date have revealed promising hydrocarbon potential, lending particular significance to the upcoming exploration operations.
The launch of Kafra Sud-Est 1 therefore stands as a decisive step towards deepening understanding of the field’s potential and determining the prospects for its eventual development.
A new phase in Sonatrach’s African expansion
For Sonatrach, the Kafra project aligns with a broader strategy to expand its operations across the African continent.
The Algerian group already possesses experience in several African countries, notably Libya, where it is involved in exploration and production activities. Niger now emerges as a new axis for developing its hydrocarbon activities and expertise.
Sonatrach’s presence in Niger is thus no longer limited to a singular operation. It is evolving into a long-term strategy encompassing exploration, petroleum services, skills transfer, and the development of industrial partnerships.
Through Kafra Sud-Est 1, Algeria aims to leverage its energy expertise while contributing to the growth of Niger’s petroleum sector.
Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb’s visit and the official launch of drilling underscore a significant evolution in bilateral relations. Following the activation of the Niamey power plant, the hydrocarbon sector now represents a major new arena for cooperation.
Beyond the drilling of a single well, Kafra Sud-Est 1 stands as a project of profound strategic importance: it symbolizes Alger and Niamey’s determination to transform their political alignment into an enduring economic partnership, making energy a crucial catalyst for their cooperation and shared development.
