Algeria’s Minister of State and Minister of Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, engaged in a virtual discussion on Sunday with Hamadou Tini, Niger’s Minister of Petroleum. The high-level talks focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation within the vital hydrocarbons sector, according to an official statement from the ministry.
The meeting, attended by senior officials from both nations’ ministries, provided an opportunity to review the recent operational activities of the Algerian Sonatrach group in the Republic of Niger. Particular attention was given to developments at the Kafra oil field block. This engagement follows the signing of a significant Algerian-Nigerien memorandum of understanding in the hydrocarbons domain on March 24, 2026. That agreement was a key outcome of the 2nd session of the Algerian-Nigerien Grand Joint Cooperation Commission, co-chaired by Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb and his Nigerien counterpart, Ali Lamine Zeine.
Discussions also encompassed an assessment of the progress made in the development and exploration efforts at the Kafra block. Furthermore, participants monitored the coordination levels between the Sonatrach group, operating through its subsidiary Sonatrach International Production and Exploration Corporation (SIPEX), and Niger’s national oil company, Société Nigérienne du Pétrole (SONIDEP).
During the session, both delegations emphasized the critical importance of integrating Nigerien enterprises and companies into ongoing energy projects. This strategy aims to foster local content development and provide robust support for economic growth across Niger.
The parties additionally explored avenues for deepening collaboration in essential areas such as professional training, technology transfer, and the exchange of specialized expertise. This will be achieved through organized training programs benefiting cadres and technicians, alongside the development of strategic partnerships between national companies from both countries, including Sonatrach, SONIDEP, and Naftal. Specific focus will be placed on optimizing transport, storage, distribution, and securing petroleum product supply chains.
Concluding the productive meeting, the two ministers unequivocally reaffirmed their shared commitment to continuously strengthen bilateral cooperation in the hydrocarbons sector. They pledged to diligently implement agreed-upon projects, driving economic advancement and promoting energy integration between Algeria and Niger.
