Algeria and Chad have inked a landmark agreement to develop a 40-megawatt power plant in N’Djamena. The deal, signed in Algiers, underscores a growing energy partnership between the two nations, aligning with Algeria’s commitment to bolstering African cooperation and advancing South-South collaboration under President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s leadership.
The pact was formalized during a working visit by Chad’s Minister of Water and Energy, Passalé Kanabé Marcelin, to Algeria, where he met with his Algerian counterpart, Mourad Adjal, Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies. Their discussions centered on deepening bilateral ties in the energy sector, with a focus on concrete projects that span electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as the supply of electrical and gas equipment and technical training.
Technical groundwork completed
Adjal confirmed that the technical study for the power plant had been finalized after a recent visit by Sonelgaz engineering teams to Chad. Both sides are now poised to move forward with equipment exports ahead of the project’s groundbreaking ceremony. Additionally, teams from Chad will soon arrive in Algeria for a month-long training program at Sonelgaz’s technical schools. These experts will later oversee the plant’s operations once it becomes operational. The cooperation will also extend to rehabilitating N’Djamena’s aging power grid.
Algeria’s energy expertise recognized across Africa
Marcelin hailed the agreement as a «historic milestone» in South-South cooperation and a major step forward in Algerian-Chadian relations. He noted that the foundations for this robust partnership were laid during Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno’s official visit to Algeria in April, where energy cooperation was a key focus.
Expressing gratitude for Algeria’s unwavering support in the energy sector, Marcelin described Algeria as a «true benchmark» for African nations, particularly in electricity generation and distribution. He highlighted Chad’s eagerness to leverage Algeria’s expertise, revealing that 12 Chadian trainees are currently undergoing training in Algeria on power plant operations, with more programs planned.
Project led by Algerian expertise from start to finish
Yazid Djellouli, CEO of Sonelgaz International, emphasized that the N’Djamena power plant will be «fully Algerian» in design, equipment, and workforce. He added that Chadian authorities are preparing the site and will soon commence construction, alongside the transfer of necessary equipment. Djellouli also noted that Sonelgaz International, established just months ago, has already received multiple inquiries from African countries for energy and infrastructure projects, reflecting growing demand for Algerian expertise.
Saleh Ben Haliki, Director-General of Chad’s national electricity utility (TchadElec), praised the project as a tangible outcome of the «renewed energy ties» between Algeria and Chad. He underscored Chad’s determination to benefit from Algeria’s proven track record in expanding and modernizing power networks, calling Algeria a «true leader» in Africa’s energy landscape.