Strengthening South-South cooperation through major infrastructure and energy initiatives
Algeria and Chad have taken a decisive step forward in their strategic partnership this week, finalizing two key agreements in energy and public works during high-level exchanges in N’Djamena and Algiers. The aim is to accelerate the implementation of commitments made during bilateral talks in April, reinforcing economic ties between the two African nations.
Trans-Saharan highway project gains momentum
On the sidelines of a coordination meeting in N’Djamena, Algeria’s Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, Abdelkader Djellaoui, and Chad’s Minister of Infrastructure, Unblocking, and Road Maintenance, Amir Idriss Kourda, signed an agreement to fast-track infrastructure cooperation projects. The signing occurred during the second day of the Algerian delegation’s working visit to Chad, where both sides reviewed progress on groundwork, including technical assessments and preliminary studies for the Trans-Saharan highway segment crossing Chadian territory.
The Chadian minister praised the rapid momentum in executing bilateral agreements signed in Algiers on April 22, highlighting tangible advances such as mutual technical missions and the launch of feasibility studies.
40 MW power plant to electrify N’Djamena
Meanwhile, in Algiers, Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, Mourad Adjal, and Chad’s Minister of Water and Energy, Passalé Kanabé Marcelin, signed a deal for the construction of a 40-megawatt power plant in N’Djamena. The project aligns with Algeria’s policy of supporting African nations through enhanced South-South cooperation, focusing on energy production, transmission, and distribution, as well as equipment supply and workforce training.
Technical blueprints are complete, following a site inspection by Sonelgaz teams in Chad last week. Both nations are now preparing for the groundbreaking phase, with Chadian technicians set to undergo a month-long training program at Sonelgaz’s Algerian training centers to ensure seamless plant operations upon completion. The collaboration also includes plans to rehabilitate N’Djamena’s aging power grid.
A turning point in Algeria-Chad energy collaboration
Chad’s Minister Marcelin described the agreement as a historic milestone in bilateral relations, noting that the foundations were laid during President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno’s official visit to Algiers in April. He acknowledged Algeria’s growing role as a regional benchmark in electricity provision, with 12 Chadian trainees already enrolled in Algerian energy programs and more cohorts expected to follow.
Sonelgaz International CEO Yazid Djellouli confirmed that the plant would be fully Algerian in design, equipment, and labor. Chadian authorities are set to begin site preparation concurrently with equipment transfers and construction, while Sonelgaz International—established in March—has already received multiple inquiries from African countries for similar energy and infrastructure ventures.
Saleh Ben Haliki, Director General of Chad’s national electricity company, hailed the project as a cornerstone of the renewed relationship between the two nations, reaffirming Chad’s commitment to leveraging Algeria’s recognized expertise in expanding electrical coverage across the region.