Mohamed Arkab, Algeria’s Minister of State and Minister of Hydrocarbons, recently engaged in a virtual discussion with Hamadou Tini, the Minister of Petroleum for the Republic of Niger. Their talks centered on advancing bilateral collaboration within the crucial hydrocarbons sector.
This significant meeting, which included high-ranking officials from both Algerian and Nigerien ministries, provided an opportunity to review the recent undertakings of the Sonatrach Group in the Republic of Niger. Particular attention was given to the Kafra oilfield block, following the signing of the Algeria-Niger memorandum of understanding on hydrocarbons on March 24, 2026. This pivotal agreement was established on the sidelines of the second session of the Algeria-Niger Grand Joint Cooperation Commission, co-chaired by Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb and his Nigerien counterpart, Ali Lamine Zeine.
Furthermore, the discussions aimed to evaluate the ongoing progress of both development and exploration activities within the Kafra block. They also focused on monitoring the coordination between the Sonatrach Group, specifically through its subsidiary Sonatrach International Production and Exploration Corporation (SIPEX), and the Nigerien Petroleum Company (SONIDEP).
During this occasion, both delegations underscored the vital importance of integrating Nigerien businesses and companies into future energy projects. This strategic inclusion aims to foster local content development and significantly contribute to Niger’s overall economic advancement.
The parties also explored avenues for deepening cooperation in critical areas like professional training, technology transfer, and the exchange of specialized expertise. This includes organizing targeted training programs for both executive and technical personnel, as well as cultivating robust partnerships between their respective national companies, such as Sonatrach, SONIDEP, and Naftal. These collaborations are particularly vital for optimizing transportation, storage, distribution, and ensuring the secure supply chains of petroleum products.
Concluding the meeting, both ministers reiterated their firm, shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation within the hydrocarbons sector. They pledged to ensure the successful implementation of all agreed-upon projects, ultimately serving to advance economic development and foster greater energy integration between the two nations.
