Algeria, Egypt Deepen Strategic Cooperation in Energy and Infrastructure Sectors

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Ministers Arkab and Abdel Ati Reaffirm Presidential Vision, Seal New Partnership Between Sonelgaz and El Sewedy Electric to Boost Development Projects

Algiers, Algeria | April 17th, 2025 — In a high-level bilateral meeting held in Algiers, Algeria’s Minister of State for Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energies, Mohamed Arkab, met with Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Expatriates, Badr Abdel Ati, to explore avenues for consolidating cooperation between the two North African powerhouses. The visit, which comes at a pivotal moment for regional economic integration, underscored both nations’ shared commitment to revitalizing their strategic partnership through concrete initiatives in energy, construction, and infrastructure development.

Minister Arkab emphasized the Algerian government’s eagerness to reinforce economic ties with Egypt, highlighting the readiness of Algerian companies to actively participate in joint projects across critical sectors such as hydrocarbons, industrial development, and public works. He further reiterated the central importance of aligning this bilateral momentum with the strategic vision set forth by Presidents Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who have repeatedly called for a dynamic and results-oriented framework for Algerian-Egyptian cooperation.

On his part, Minister Abdel Ati conveyed Egypt’s determination to contribute meaningfully to Algeria’s development trajectory, stressing the proven capabilities of Egyptian enterprises in delivering high-impact infrastructure and energy projects across the African continent. “Egyptian companies bring with them a wealth of experience and operational excellence,” he stated, “and we are committed to being a reliable partner in Algeria’s sustainable growth.”

The two sides reviewed a range of mutually beneficial investment opportunities, particularly in the fields of energy transition, industrial modernization, and national infrastructure planning. Special attention was given to creating synergy between Algerian and Egyptian private sectors, facilitating smoother project execution, and removing bureaucratic bottlenecks that could hinder bilateral economic progress.

Minister Arkab underscored the urgency of transforming this political will into action, calling for swift implementation of existing agreements and greater alignment between business communities on both sides. “Economic integration is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity for building resilient economies and asserting regional leadership,” he said.

As a practical outcome of the meeting, both ministers witnessed the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Algeria’s Sonelgaz and Egypt’s El Sewedy Electric, marking a significant step forward in the electrification and modernization of Algeria’s energy grid. The agreement aims to facilitate joint investment in electric infrastructure projects, contributing to Algeria’s national energy development goals and fostering regional knowledge exchange.

Minister Abdel Ati also expressed his optimism regarding the upcoming second session of the Algerian-Egyptian Joint Business Council, which is expected to further enhance cooperation between entrepreneurs and industrial leaders from both countries.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of both countries’ strategic alliance, rooted in shared values, economic complementarity, and a vision for a more integrated and self-reliant Africa.