Algeria and Chad have taken a decisive step forward in their strategic partnership this week, signing two major agreements focused on public works and energy. The deals, finalized during reciprocal visits to N’Djamena and Algiers, aim to expedite commitments made in April to strengthen South-South cooperation.
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 infrastructure cooperation projects. The signing took place during a coordination meeting on the second day of the Algerian delegation’s working visit to Chad. The Chadian minister praised the “rapid momentum” in implementing bilateral agreements signed on April 22 in Algiers, highlighting progress such as joint technical visits and the launch of feasibility studies for the trans-Saharan highway crossing Chadian territory.
Expanding electricity production with a 40 MW plant
On the same day in Algiers, Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, Mourad Adjal, and Chad’s Minister of Water and Energy, Passalé Kanabé Marcelin, signed an agreement to construct a 40-megawatt power plant in N’Djamena. The deal aligns with Algeria’s commitment to supporting African nations and fostering South-South collaboration. The ministers reviewed potential energy cooperation avenues, including electricity production, transmission, and distribution, as well as the supply of electrical and gas equipment and workforce training.
Adjal confirmed that the technical study for the project has been finalized, following a recent visit by teams from Sonelgaz to Chad. Both sides are now preparing to ship equipment ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony. Chadian technicians will undergo a month-long training program in Algeria’s Sonelgaz schools to ensure smooth operations once the plant is operational. The partnership will also include the rehabilitation of N’Djamena’s electrical grid.
A historic milestone for South-South cooperation
The Chadian minister described the agreement as a “historic milestone” and a significant milestone in Algeria-Chad relations. He noted that the foundations for this cooperation were laid during Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno’s official visit to Algiers last April. Marcelin expressed gratitude to Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for his support in the energy sector, calling Algeria a “true benchmark” for several African nations in electricity generation. He added that 12 Chadian trainees are currently undergoing training in Algeria, with additional cohorts expected to follow.
Yazid Djellouli, CEO of Sonelgaz International, emphasized that the power plant will be “100% Algerian” in execution, equipment, and labor. Chadian authorities are set to begin site preparation alongside the shipment of materials and the start of construction. Djellouli also revealed that Sonelgaz International, established in March, has already received multiple requests from African countries for energy and related infrastructure projects.
Saleh Ben Haliki, Director-General of the Chadian Electricity Company, hailed the project as one of the first tangible outcomes of the “new relations” between the two nations. He reaffirmed Chad’s eagerness to leverage Algeria’s recognized expertise in electricity coverage and infrastructure development.