New African Markets Open for Sonatrach Energy Expertise
Algerian national oil company Sonatrach is preparing to expand its operations into two new African markets, Senegal and Mauritania. This strategic initiative aims to strengthen Algeria's presence in the continental energy sector, building upon its established oil and gas expertise. The move follows Sonatrach's existing engagements in Libya and Niger, further reinforcing Algeria's energy influence across the African continent. The expansion was announced by Minister of Hydrocarbons Mohamed Arkab during the NAPEC 2026 exhibition in Oran, highlighting the region's accelerated development of oil and gas resources.
Senegal represents a primary focus of this expansion, with discussions already underway to forge a comprehensive partnership. In October 2026, Senegalese Minister of Energy and Petroleum, El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf, visited Algiers to enhance bilateral cooperation and explore collaboration between Sonatrach and Société des pétroles du Sénégal (Petrosen). These discussions, building on a 2025 prospecting mission by the Algerian group, encompass the full hydrocarbon value chain, including exploration, field development, production, refining, and petrochemicals. Both nations are committed to promoting investments, technology transfer, and expertise sharing, with the Algerian Petroleum Institute (IAP) and Sonatrach Management Academy planning to enhance Senegalese capabilities in areas such as hydrocarbon legal frameworks, data management, industrial safety, and environmental protection. An intergovernmental agreement is anticipated during the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power conference in Dakar in December 2026, coinciding with Senegal's accelerating energy resource development, notably the Sangomar oil field and the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas project.
Mauritania constitutes the second market targeted by Sonatrach, where Minister Arkab noted "great horizons" for the group. While Mauritania is actively developing its gas resources, specific contracts or an implementation timeline have not yet been announced, indicating that perspectives in this country remain exploratory. This broader expansion strategy, supported by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, prioritizes South-South cooperation and an "Africa-Africa" approach, positioning Algeria as a potential energy bridge between Africa and Europe through its resources, infrastructure, and expertise. Algerian authorities additionally seek to enhance coordination among African producing countries to optimize resource exploitation, bolster continental energy security, and advance technologies crucial for energy transition.
