President Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger received Algeria's Minister of State for Energy and Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, to discuss strengthening energy cooperation. During the meeting, Algeria reaffirmed its commitment to enhance ties with Niger, particularly in the hydrocarbon sector, emphasizing solidarity and the implementation of structural projects. Mohamed Arkab stated Algeria's "full availability to continue and strengthen cooperation with the Republic of Niger particularly in the hydrocarbon sector within the framework of African cooperation based on solidarity, complementarity, and the concretization of structural projects." Arkab added that he listened to President Tiani's "orientations and high directives concerning Niger's priorities in the hydrocarbon sector." This reaffirmation shows Algeria's dedication to fostering strong partnerships within the African continent.
Key Hydrocarbon Projects Discussed
The Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSG) project formed a central part of the discussions. Preparatory steps for topographic surveys in Niger were considered, alongside ongoing studies for the project, which involves Algeria, Niger, and Nigeria. This major infrastructure initiative aims to transport natural gas across the Sahara, connecting gas fields in Nigeria to Algeria's Mediterranean coast for export to Europe. Cooperation prospects in exploration and production were also examined during the high-level meeting. This included SONATRACH's existing project on the Kafra perimeter and Niger's proposal for potential expansion to other blocks, indicating a forward-looking approach to resource development.
Discussions also addressed the commercialization and valorization of Nigerien crude oil. SONATRACH offered its expertise in commercialization and negotiation to support these efforts, aiming to maximize the value of Niger's oil resources on international markets. The role of SONIDEP, a significant entity in Niger's oil sector, was noted during the talks. Its involvement was seen as key for deepening exchanges and identifying new opportunities for cooperation between the two nations, fostering a more integrated approach to energy development. The dialogue showed the importance of leveraging local expertise and national companies for sustainable growth in the energy sector.
Broader Cooperation Framework
Discussions between the Algerian delegation and Nigerien officials also covered President Tiani's directives regarding Niger's priorities within its hydrocarbon sector, including natural resource valorization and capacity building initiatives. These directives provide a clear roadmap for future collaborative efforts. Algeria affirmed its commitment to support Niger through its national energy company SONATRACH and its various subsidiaries. This support encompasses expertise transfer, training programs, and further capacity building efforts, alongside assistance in resource valorization, ensuring Niger can develop its energy sector effectively and independently. The two nations, which share a long common border, already engage in cooperation across multiple sectors, including education, energy, and infrastructure, in addition to hydrocarbons. This broader cooperation framework aims to enhance mutual development and strategic interests, building on a foundation of shared history and geographical proximity.
Algeria's Commitment to Niger
Mohamed Arkab, Algeria's Minister of State for Energy and Hydrocarbons, delivered a message of greeting from Algerian President Abdel-Majid Tebboune, expressing commitment to strengthening relations between Algeria and Niger. Arkab reiterated Algeria's "full availability to continue and strengthen cooperation with the Republic of Niger particularly in the hydrocarbon sector within the framework of African cooperation based on solidarity, complementarity, and the concretization of structural projects." He added, "Our common objective is to give new impetus to this cooperation through the concretization of structural projects and the development of a solid energy partnership based on trust, complementarity, and mutual interests beneficial to our two brotherly countries." Arkab also noted, "I listened with the greatest attention to President Tiani's orientations and high directives, particularly concerning Niger's priorities in the hydrocarbon sector, the valorization of natural resources, and the strengthening of its capacities, orientations that constitute an essential framework for giving new impetus to our cooperation." This exchange reinforces the strategic importance both nations place on their bilateral energy relationship.