Following the successful inauguration of the Gorou Banda power plant in Niamey, Niger, Sonelgaz-International is now turning its attention to Chad. The Algerian energy giant, through its international subsidiary, is preparing to launch a 40-megawatt electrical facility in N’Djamena, marking another milestone in its African expansion strategy.
First project abroad paves the way for further developments
The Gorou Banda plant, completed in record time in Niger, stands as Sonelgaz-International’s maiden overseas power project. This 40 MW infrastructure has significantly boosted Niger’s national electricity output by approximately 20%, while also strengthening the capital’s energy supply. The swift execution of this project—achieved in just over three months—demonstrates the company’s operational efficiency and logistical prowess, including the coordination of more than twenty cargo flights via Air Algérie.
Building on this achievement, Sonelgaz-International is now set to replicate the model in Chad. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new 40 MW plant in N’Djamena is scheduled to take place in the coming days, following the recent signing of an agreement between Algeria and Chad in May. This initiative aligns with the broader energy cooperation framework between the two nations.
Strategic partnerships and future ambitions
The Chad project is part of a larger vision for Sonelgaz-International, which has already garnered interest from several African countries, including Côte d’Ivoire and Mozambique. The subsidiary aims to position itself as a key player in the continent’s energy sector by leveraging Algeria’s technical expertise and fostering collaborations between public and private Algerian enterprises for future ventures.
Beyond infrastructure development, Sonelgaz-International is also focused on enhancing Niger’s national grid. Studies are underway to rehabilitate and strengthen the Niamey-Agadez transmission corridor, with potential follow-up contracts in the pipeline. These efforts underscore the company’s commitment to long-term energy stability in the region.
Local impact and workforce development
The Niger project has already yielded tangible benefits for the local workforce. A team of nearly fifty Algerian engineers, technicians, and project managers collaborated with Nigerien counterparts throughout the construction phase. Additionally, training programs have been implemented to equip local staff with the skills needed for plant operation and maintenance. Plans are also in motion to establish a spare parts depot to ensure the plant’s sustained performance.
Fati Abarchi, Managing Director of NIGELEC, praised the partnership with Sonelgaz-International as an “exceptional experience”, emphasizing its transformative impact on Niger’s energy landscape. The project is poised to enter the history books as a landmark achievement in the country’s electrification journey.
Government recognition and broader implications
Mourad Adjal, Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, highlighted the strategic importance of Sonelgaz-International’s international ventures. He noted that the subsidiary’s success in Niger has opened doors to new opportunities across Africa, with multiple countries expressing interest in similar collaborations. The minister also underscored the role of Algerian expertise in driving sustainable energy solutions continent-wide.
Yazid Djellouli, CEO of Sonelgaz-International, emphasized the urgency and efficiency with which the Niger project was executed. “Under the directives of the Minister of Energy and the President of the Republic, we mobilized all necessary resources to deliver this plant ahead of schedule,” he stated. “This achievement marks the first step in our international expansion, with more projects to follow in Niger and beyond.”
