Algeria’s Minister of Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, held a crucial videoconference discussion on Sunday with Hamadou Tini, the Minister of Petroleum for the Republic of Niger. Their talks centered on advancing bilateral collaboration within the vital hydrocarbons sector.
Officials from both nations’ ministries participated in the meeting, which highlighted recent operations by the Sonatrach group in Niger. Specifically, attention was given to the Kafra oil field block. This engagement follows the signing of a significant Algerian-Nigerien memorandum of understanding on hydrocarbons, inked on March 24, 2026. That agreement took place during the second session of the Algerian-Nigerien Joint Cooperation Commission, co-chaired by Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb and his Nigerien counterpart, Ali Lamine Zeine.
Furthermore, the discussions provided an opportunity to assess the ongoing development and exploration efforts at the Kafra block. Close monitoring of the coordination between Sonatrach, through its subsidiary Sonatrach International Production and Exploration Corporation (SIPEX), and the Société Nigérienne du Pétrole (SONIDEP) was also a key agenda item.
During the talks, both delegations underscored the vital role of integrating Nigerien companies and enterprises into energy projects. This strategic inclusion aims to champion local content initiatives and actively contribute to Niger’s economic advancement.
The two sides also explored avenues to deepen cooperation in critical areas such as training, technology transfer, and expertise exchange. Plans include organizing tailored training programs for executives and technical staff, alongside fostering partnerships between national companies like Sonatrach, SONIDEP, and Naftal. This collaboration is particularly crucial for sectors including the transportation, storage, distribution, and securing of petroleum product supply chains.
Concluding the meeting, the ministers reiterated their shared commitment to continuously bolster bilateral cooperation in the hydrocarbons sector. They pledged to move forward with agreed-upon projects, aiming to serve economic development and further energy integration between Algeria and Niger.
