Algeria and Chad have taken a decisive step forward in strengthening their strategic partnership, sealing two critical agreements this week. The deals, signed during reciprocal visits to N’Djamena and Algiers, aim to fast-track long-standing commitments made in April while deepening South-South collaboration.
In N’Djamena, Algeria’s Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, Abdelkader Djellaoui, and his Chadian counterpart, Amir Idriss Kourda, signed an accord to streamline cooperation in infrastructure development. The agreement was finalized during a coordination meeting on the second day of the Algerian delegation’s working visit to Chad. Kourda praised the rapid momentum in implementing bilateral agreements signed on April 22 in Algiers, highlighting concrete progress such as technical exchanges and the launch of feasibility studies for the trans-Saharan highway project crossing Chad’s territory.
40 MW power plant breakthrough
Simultaneously in Algiers, Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewables, Mourad Adjal, and Chad’s Minister of Water and Energy, Passalé Kanabé Marcelin, signed a pact to build a 40-megawatt power plant in N’Djamena. The deal aligns with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s vision of supporting African nations and fostering South-South cooperation. The ministers explored broader energy collaboration, including electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as the supply of electrical and gas equipment and workforce training.
Adjal confirmed that technical studies for the project are complete, following a recent assessment mission by Sonelgaz teams in Chad. Both sides are now preparing for equipment exports ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony. Chadian technicians will also undergo a month-long training program in Algeria’s Sonelgaz training centers to ensure seamless operation of the plant post-completion. The partnership will also include rehabilitation of N’Djamena’s power grid.
A historic milestone for South-South cooperation
For Chad’s Energy Minister, the agreement represents a historic milestone in bilateral relations. He noted that the foundations for this cooperation were laid during Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno’s official visit to Algiers in April. Marcelin expressed gratitude to President Tebboune for Algeria’s steadfast energy support, calling Algeria a benchmark for African nations in electrification. He revealed that 12 Chadian trainees are currently undergoing training in Algeria, with additional cohorts set to follow.
Yazid Djellouli, CEO of Sonelgaz International, emphasized that the plant will be 100% Algerian in design, equipment, and labor. Chadian authorities are set to commence site preparation alongside equipment transfers and construction. Djellouli added that Sonelgaz International, established in March, has already received multiple inquiries from African countries for similar energy and infrastructure projects.
Saleh Ben Haliki, Director-General of Chad’s national utility, hailed the project as a testament to the new era of relations between the two nations. He reiterated Chad’s commitment to leveraging Algeria’s proven expertise in expanding electrification coverage across the country.