Algiers – Algeria’s energy conglomerate Sonelgaz announced on Thursday that a team of specialists and senior executives will be sent to Niger in the coming days to draft a memorandum of understanding with Niger’s national electricity company, Nigelec. The agreement aims to outline mechanisms for collaboration, particularly for the construction of a power generation plant in Niger, according to a statement from Sonelgaz.
Virtual Meeting to Advance Cooperation
The decision was revealed during a virtual meeting between Sonelgaz CEO Mourad Adjal and Nigelec CEO Fati Abarshi. The meeting focused on accelerating the pace of cooperation and partnership between the two companies to strengthen bilateral relations. Representatives from Niger’s Ministry of Energy, Algeria’s ambassador to Niger, and senior Sonelgaz officials also participated in the discussions.
This initiative aligns with the recommendations of Algeria’s top leadership and follows high-level visits, including Niger’s Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance to Algeria in August 2024, as well as the Algerian Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, visiting Niger later the same month.
Areas of Focus and Expertise
During the meeting, Sonelgaz highlighted its extensive expertise in various energy-related fields, including:
- Electricity production, transmission, and distribution.
- Engineering, maintenance, and technical training through its five specialized training institutions.
Sonelgaz CEO Mourad Adjal expressed the company’s interest in investing in Niger’s energy sector. He proposed an initial study for constructing a power generation plant in Niger, emphasizing Sonelgaz’s readiness to dispatch a team of specialists to conduct on-site assessments.
Adjal also reiterated Sonelgaz’s openness to collaboration in various areas, such as renewable energy, energy transmission and distribution, engineering, and professional training.
Niger’s Interest in Collaboration
Nigelec CEO Fati Abarshi welcomed the prospect of working with Sonelgaz, acknowledging the Algerian company’s prominent regional role and expertise in energy. She expressed a strong commitment to ensuring the success of this partnership for the benefit of both nations.
Next Steps
The meeting concluded with an agreement to:
- Send a team of Sonelgaz specialists to Niger to draft a memorandum of understanding that will formalize the cooperation framework between the two companies.
- Prepare for a high-level delegation, led by Sonelgaz CEO Mourad Adjal, to visit Niger. This delegation will finalize decisions and explore additional opportunities to expand the partnership in alignment with the ambitions of both countries.
For more updates on this collaboration, visit DZWATCH.DZ.
Author: Nor-Eleslam
