Sonatrach Initiates Kafra Oil Drilling in Niger

Algerian public group Sonatrach officially commenced oil drilling operations in Niger's Kafra block on August 13. The launch event in the Saharan zone of Niger, which borders Algeria, was presided over by Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb and his Nigerien counterpart Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine. Sonatrach's subsidiary, Enafor, initiated the drilling of the Kafra Sud-Est 1 exploration well, which is projected to reach a depth of 3,900 meters.

This initiative, described by Niger's Ministry of Petroleum as a "historic turning point" for bilateral cooperation and the Nigerien oil sector, solidifies the commitment of both nations' leaders to advance the hydrocarbons sector. Sonatrach has held a prospecting permit for the 23,737 square kilometer Kafra block since 2005. This block lies adjacent to Tafassasset, an Algerian block also managed by Sonatrach, and its reserves are estimated by Nigerien authorities to exceed 260 million barrels.

The project operates under a production sharing contract originally established in 2015 and renewed in 2022 between Sonatrach and Niger. The agreement also encompasses a commitment for technology transfer and the training of Nigerien executives by Algeria, reinforcing the collaborative framework. Enafor Niger, a branch registered in Niamey, is tasked with supporting Sonatrach and Niger in the development of the Kafra block.