Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb Oversees Niger Exploration Well Launch

Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb arrived in Niger on Thursday, August 13, for a working visit where he co-presided the official launch ceremony for drilling the "Kafra Sud-Est 1" exploration well. Acting under the direct instruction of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Prime Minister Ghrieb was joined by his Nigerien counterpart, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, at the Kafra oil field to inaugurate this significant energy initiative. He was accompanied by a delegation including the Minister of State for Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, and the CEO of Sonatrach, Nour Eddine Daoudi.

This visit and the "Kafra Sud-Est 1" project align with a shared commitment from President Tebboune and Nigerien President General Abdourahamane Tiani to elevate Algerian-Nigerien relations. The initiative aims to transition bilateral ties from political rapprochement to a phase of effective cooperation and active partnership, transforming joint political will into tangible projects, particularly within strategic sectors such as energy and hydrocarbons. The launch of drilling operations represents a pivotal step in fostering this new dynamic and reaffirms both nations' dedication to advancing priority projects.

The project is expected to open new avenues for cooperation and investment, supporting economic development in both countries. It follows the inauguration of a power plant in Niamey and implements the conclusions of the 2nd session of the Algerian-Nigerien Grand Joint Cooperation Commission, held in March 2026. The Kafra oil field, located in northern Niger near the Algerian border, is part of a large oil block where Sonatrach International (SIPEX) began exploration in 2018, with initial wells confirming oil presence and estimated reserves of approximately 260 million barrels.