The strategic partnership between Algeria and Chad has reached a new milestone this week, marked by the signing of two significant agreements. These accords focus on public works and energy, following reciprocal visits to N’Djamena and Algiers. The overarching goal is to expedite commitments made earlier this year and strengthen South-South cooperation.

Infrastructure collaboration 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 an agreement to streamline infrastructure cooperation. The signing occurred during the second day of a working visit by the Algerian delegation. Chad’s minister praised the « rapid progress » in implementing bilateral agreements signed on April 22 in Algiers. He highlighted tangible advancements, including joint technical visits and the initiation of feasibility studies for the trans-Saharan highway project crossing Chad.

40 MW power plant to boost N’Djamena’s energy supply

On the same day in Algiers, Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, Mourad Adjal, and Chad’s Minister of Water and Energy, Passalé Kanabé Marcelin, signed an accord for a 40-megawatt power plant in N’Djamena. This initiative aligns with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s vision of supporting African nations and fostering South-South collaboration. The ministers explored broader energy cooperation, covering electricity production, transport, distribution, and the supply of electrical and gas equipment, alongside training programs. Adjal confirmed that technical studies for the project were finalized after Sonelgaz teams’ recent assessment visit to Chad.

The two nations are now preparing for equipment exports ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony. Chad’s technical teams will also undergo a month-long training program at Algeria’s Sonelgaz training centers to ensure seamless operation once the plant is commissioned. Additional efforts will focus on rehabilitating N’Djamena’s power grid.

A historic milestone for South-South cooperation

Chad’s Minister of Water and Energy described the agreement as « a historic milestone » and a pivotal step in Algerian-Chadian relations. He credited the foundations of this cooperation to President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno’s official visit to Algiers in April. Marcelin expressed gratitude to President Tebboune for Algeria’s energy support, noting that Algeria has become a « benchmark » for African nations in electricity infrastructure. Currently, 12 Chadian trainees are undergoing training in Algeria, with plans to expand the program.

Yazid Djellouli, CEO of Sonelgaz International, emphasized that the power plant will be « 100% Algerian » in design, equipment, and workforce. Chadian authorities are set to initiate site preparations while equipment transfers and construction commence. Sonelgaz International, established in March, has already fielded multiple requests from African countries for similar energy and infrastructure projects. Saleh Ben Haliki, Managing Director of Chad’s national electricity company, hailed the project as a testament to the « renewed relations » between the two countries, reaffirming Chad’s commitment to leveraging Algeria’s recognized expertise in electrification.