Nigerien President Receives Arkab, Deepens Energy Investments
Algerian Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, conducted a working visit to Niamey, Niger, under the directive of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. During his mission, Minister Arkab was received by Nigerien President General Abdourahamane Tiani and separately by Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine Mahaman. These high-level engagements underscore a commitment to enhancing strategic energy cooperation between Algeria and Niger.
Discussions during the visit explored avenues for expanding Algeria's energy investments in Niger, moving beyond the existing exploration project at the Kafra oil block. The Nigerien side proposed new petroleum blocks, including Bilma, for potential involvement by Algeria's Sonatrach in exploration and production. Furthermore, cooperation between Sonatrach and SONIDEP, Niger's national oil company, was emphasized, focusing on exchanging expertise, transferring knowledge, and providing training to bolster Nigerien capabilities in the oil and gas industry. The talks also covered refining and petrochemicals, specifically addressing major maintenance work at the Zinder refinery and fostering expanded collaboration between specialized institutions in both countries. Joint marketing of Nigerien crude oil was also reviewed, with both sides seeking to develop this cooperation and support Niger in optimizing its petroleum resources and strengthening its marketing expertise.
A significant portion of the talks was dedicated to the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) project, which unites Algeria, Niger, and Nigeria. Both parties reaffirmed the project's strategic importance for African energy integration and its role in promoting socio-economic development across the region. The necessity of continued coordination for advancing the practical implementation phases was highlighted, particularly commencing topographic surveys for the pipeline's route in Nigerien territory, alongside environmental impact and geotechnical studies. Minister Arkab reiterated Algeria's commitment, guided by President Tebboune, to continuously support Niger's hydrocarbons sector, facilitate the transfer of Algerian expertise, and contribute to capacity building to serve the economic and energy development of both nations.
