Algeria and Chad have reached a pivotal moment in their bilateral relations, formalizing two major agreements this week that underscore their commitment to deepening South-South cooperation. The deals, signed during reciprocal visits to N’Djamena and Algiers, aim to fast-track infrastructure and energy projects agreed upon in April, signaling a new phase in their strategic partnership.

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, inked an accord to streamline cooperative infrastructure initiatives. The signing took place during a coordination meeting on the second day of the Algerian delegation’s working visit. Chad’s minister praised the rapid momentum in implementing the bilateral agreements signed on April 22, highlighting tangible progress such as joint technical assessments and the launch of feasibility studies for the trans-Saharan highway project traversing Chadian territory.

Boosting Chad’s energy capacity with a 40 MW power plant

Simultaneously in Algiers, Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, Mourad Adjal, and Chad’s Minister of Water and Energy, Passalé Kanabé Marcelin, finalized an agreement to construct a 40-megawatt power plant in N’Djamena. This project aligns with Algeria’s broader strategy to support African nations and promote South-South collaboration, with a focus on energy production, transmission, and distribution. The ministers also explored opportunities in renewable energy, equipment supply, and workforce training.

Adjal confirmed that technical studies for the plant are complete, following a recent Sonelgaz team visit to Chad. Both sides are now preparing for equipment procurement ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony. Additionally, Chadian technicians will undergo a month-long training program at Algerian Sonelgaz institutions to ensure seamless plant operations upon completion. The collaboration will also include rehabilitating N’Djamena’s electricity grid.

A milestone for South-South energy cooperation

For Chad’s energy minister, the agreement represents a historic milestone in bilateral relations, building on foundations laid during Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno’s official visit to Algeria in April. Marcelin commended Algeria’s leadership in Africa’s energy sector, calling it a benchmark for the continent. He noted that 12 Chadian trainees are currently undergoing training in Algeria, with more cohorts expected to follow.

Yazid Djellouli, CEO of Sonelgaz International, emphasized that the plant will be entirely Algerian in design, equipment, and labor. Chadian authorities are set to initiate site preparation while equipment transfers and construction commence. Sonelgaz International, established in March, has already fielded multiple inquiries from African nations for similar energy and infrastructure projects. Saleh Ben Haliki, Director General of Chad’s national electricity company, hailed the initiative as a tangible outcome of the renewed ties between the two countries, reaffirming Chad’s eagerness to leverage Algeria’s proven expertise in electrification.