Following its recent initiative in Niger, Algeria is extending its economic cooperation efforts to Chad as part of a broader strategy to reinforce stability in the Sahel through tangible development projects.
On June 8, Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb embarked on an official visit to Chad, where he officially launched the construction of a new 40-megawatt power plant—a gift from Algeria to the landlocked nation. This marks the second such project Sonelgaz International has completed in the region within weeks, following the inauguration of a similar facility in Niamey, Niger, in just 70 days.
Chad receives Algeria’s strategic energy donation
The 40-megawatt plant, also developed by Sonelgaz International, represents a direct contribution from Algeria to Chad’s energy infrastructure under the directives of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Algerian-Chadian solidarity power project took place in Farcha’s industrial zone, N’Djamena, chaired by both the Algerian and Chadian prime ministers, Sifi Ghrieb and Allamaye Halina respectively.
During the ceremony, Mr. Ghrieb emphasized that this initiative embodies unwavering political commitment uniting both nations’ leadership, translating high-level agreements into on-the-ground action. He highlighted the presidents’ shared vision to elevate bilateral ties into a robust strategic partnership, built on mutual benefits, sustainable development, and concrete solidarity.
The project is also seen as a pivotal milestone in advancing Algerian-Chadian relations, transitioning from planning phases to tangible implementation. Mr. Ghrieb noted that this initiative stems directly from the momentum generated during Chad’s Head of State’s official visit to Algeria in April 2026.
Energy cooperation: a catalyst for Sahel development
Speaking on the plant’s significance, Mr. Ghrieb described it as far more than an energy source—it symbolizes economic empowerment, social progress, and human advancement. He underscored how energy infrastructure serves as a cornerstone for economic growth, attracting investment, fostering industrialization, enhancing public services, and ultimately improving living standards.
“Where energy thrives, opportunities expand. Economic and social transformation accelerates, and prosperity becomes tangible,” he stated. He reiterated Algeria’s firm belief in effective African cooperation, asserting that impactful projects rooted in mutual benefit can forge resilient economies and shared progress across the continent.
“We envision an Africa of meaningful solidarity, concrete initiatives, productive investments, and partnerships that cultivate wealth and uplift our people,” he declared.
Algeria’s expanding energy footprint in Africa
Beyond this power plant, Algeria and Chad are advancing additional energy-focused collaborations, including:
- Support for the development of a refinery in N’Djamena;
- Joint geological exploration and seismic studies;
- Knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives;
- Establishment of permanent joint mechanisms to coordinate energy sector value chains.
Speaking at the Niamey plant inauguration, Algeria’s Energy Minister Mourad Adjal revealed growing international demand for Sonelgaz International’s expertise, with interest expressed by countries including Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mozambique. The newly established international arm of Sonelgaz has already initiated multiple projects across Africa.
Algeria’s engagement extends beyond electricity generation. Recent developments include oil and gas ventures such as the Kafra oil field in northern Niger, alongside the launch of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline’s Algerian segment in Adrar on June 4, in the presence of petroleum ministers from Nigeria and Niger.
