Kafra Sud-Est 1 Exploratory Drilling Co-Presided by PMs
The Prime Ministers of Niger, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, and Algeria, Sifi Ghrieb, co-presided over the official resumption of exploratory drilling for the Kafra Sud-Est 1 oil well. The ceremony took place in Kafra, located in Niger's Agadez region, on Thursday, August 13, 2026. This significant event saw the attendance of government officials from both nations, representatives of national oil companies Sonatrach and Sonidep, regional authorities, and local communities, underscoring the economic importance of the project.
The commencement of drilling at the Kafra block, situated in a Saharan zone near the Algerian border, marks a new phase in evaluating the area's oil potential. Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine emphasized that the resumption of activities by SIPEX Niger on the Kafra block sends a strong signal to Africa regarding the continent's capacity to collaboratively undertake strategic projects. He highlighted the importance of promoting local content, training Nigerian personnel, transferring skills, creating youth employment, and engaging national enterprises, aligning with a vision of economic sovereignty and tangible benefits for the Agadez region.
Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb stated that the launch of drilling at Kafra aligns with the shared vision of Presidents Abdourahamane Tiani and Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and commitments from the second session of the Algerian-Nigerien Grand Joint Commission. He acknowledged the substantial logistical and technical effort involved in transporting the 2,000-horsepower drilling rig from Algeria to the challenging Saharan site. Ghrieb articulated an ambition that extends beyond completing the Kafra project to building an integrated and sustainable industrial partnership across the oil and gas value chain, including the potential creation of joint ventures. This project further illustrates the strategic rapprochement between Niger and Algeria, enhancing the development of Niger's natural resources, strengthening national competencies, and establishing durable industrial cooperation.
