Following its successful project in Niger, Algeria is extending its strategic development initiatives across the Sahel region. This approach underscores a commitment to fostering stability through tangible economic and social progress.
Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb arrived in Chad on Monday, June 8, to officiate the groundbreaking ceremony for a new power plant, a generous gift from Algeria. This marks the second such facility delivered by Algeria in the region, coming after the plant in Niger, which Mr. Ghrieb inaugurated on Wednesday, June 3. That previous project was notably completed in a record 70 days by Sonelgaz International.
Algeria donates 40-megawatt power plant to Chad
The 40-megawatt power station destined for Chad, also to be constructed by Sonelgaz International, is a direct donation from the Algerian Republic. This initiative aligns with the directives issued by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, reinforcing regional solidarity.
The ceremonial laying of the first stone for this significant power plant, symbolizing “Algerian-Chadian solidarity,” took place in the Farcha industrial zone of N’Djamena, Chad’s capital. The event was co-chaired by the Algerian Prime Minister and his Chadian counterpart, Allamaye Halina.
During his address at the site, Sifi Ghrieb highlighted that the project’s launch embodies the “unwavering political will” shared by the leaders of both nations. He emphasized that it concretizes the high-level directives from President Tebboune and Chadian President, Marshal Mohamed Idris Déby Itno, aiming to elevate Algerian-Chadian relations into a “solid strategic partnership built on effective solidarity, shared development, and mutual interests.”
Beyond its “symbolic importance for development,” Mr. Ghrieb added that this event represents a “decisive step” in strengthening Algerian-Chadian relations. He noted that these ties have evolved “from the phase of consultation and planning to that of implementation and the realization of joint projects on the ground.”
This particular project, greenlit by President Tebboune, stands as one of the initial outcomes of the renewed momentum sparked by President Déby Itno’s official visit to Algeria in April 2026, Sifi Ghrieb further underscored.
“The Africa we believe in is one of concrete initiatives”
The new power plant holds considerable economic, social, and human significance, given its expected contribution to enhancing Chad’s energy capabilities and supporting its development efforts. The Prime Minister reiterated that the energy sector is now “one of the fundamental pillars underpinning state economies, and a determining factor for attracting investment, developing industry, improving public services, and elevating citizens’ living standards.”
“Where energy is present, growth prospects expand, the pace of economic and social transformation accelerates, and welfare levels increase,” he asserted.
Mr. Ghrieb also reaffirmed Algeria’s “deep conviction” that effective African cooperation can achieve shared development through concrete projects that directly benefit citizens and contribute to building strong, sustainable national economies.
“The Africa we believe in is one of effective solidarity, concrete initiatives, productive investments, and partnerships that create wealth on its soil and for the benefit of its peoples,” he declared.
Energy in Africa and the Sahel: Algeria’s comprehensive offensive
Further strategic partnership projects are planned between Algiers and N’Djamena, including support for a refinery project in N’Djamena, expanding cooperation in geological exploration and seismic studies, exchanging expertise and training, and establishing permanent joint consultation and coordination mechanisms across various segments of the energy value chain, Sifi Ghrieb recalled.
During the inauguration of the Niamey power plant on June 3, Mourad Adjal, the Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, had noted a growing demand for Sonelgaz International’s expertise from several African nations, including Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mozambique.
The company, established last March specifically to undertake international projects, has commenced preparations for new ventures in numerous African countries, the minister had revealed.
Beyond electricity, Algeria has also initiated oil and gas projects in the region, such as the development of the Kafra oil field in northern Niger. On June 4, work officially commenced on the Algerian section of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) in Adrar, attended by the oil ministers of Nigeria and Niger.