Algiers, Algeria – Algeria and Somalia are deepening their partnership in the hydrocarbons and mining sectors, marking a significant step towards enhanced economic cooperation. A high-level delegation from the Federal Republic of Somalia met with Algerian officials in Algiers to discuss avenues for strategic collaboration.
Mohamed Arkab, Algeria’s Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, received the Somali delegation, led by the Minister of Education and Higher Education, who also served as a Special Envoy carrying a message from the Somali President to his Algerian counterpart. The meeting, held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, underscores both nations’ commitment to expanding bilateral relations.
The discussions focused on strengthening partnerships across the entire value chain of the hydrocarbons sector, including exploration, production, transportation, refining, and petrochemicals. Potential partnerships between Algeria’s national oil company, Sonatrach, and Somali entities were also explored.
Training and Expertise Sharing at the Core of the Partnership
Both sides emphasized the importance of training and capacity building. Algeria offered to leverage the expertise of the Algerian Petroleum Institute to expand training programs for Somali professionals. Sharing Algeria’s experience in oil and gas development, particularly in legal and regulatory frameworks, was also highlighted.
Minister Arkab reiterated Algeria’s commitment, in line with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s directives, to strengthening cooperation with Somalia and promoting South-South cooperation, especially with fellow African nations. He affirmed Algeria’s readiness to support Somalia’s efforts in developing its hydrocarbons sector through the expertise of Sonatrach and the Algerian Petroleum Institute. This collaboration builds upon the momentum generated by the Somali President’s official visit to Algeria in late 2025, which resulted in the signing of multi-sectoral cooperation agreements.
