Algeria Inaugurates Official Headquarters of the African Energy Commission (AFREC): A Strategic Leap Towards Continental Energy Sovereignty

Algeria Inaugurates Official Headquarters of the African Energy Commission (AFREC): A Strategic Leap Towards Continental Energy Sovereignty

✍️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Minister Arkab and AU Commissioner Matabogi preside over ceremony reaffirming Algeria’s leadership in pan-African energy integration and solidarity

 

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Algiers, Algeria | June 26th, 2025 —  Algeria marked a milestone in continental energy diplomacy on Thursday, June 26, 2025, as the Minister of State for Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energies, Mohamed Arkab, jointly presided with African Union Commissioner for Energy and Infrastructure, Lerato Dorothée Matabogi, over the official inauguration of the headquarters of the African Energy Commission (AFREC) in Algiers.

The high-level ceremony was attended by Secretary of State for Mines, Karima Bakir Tafer, Secretary of State for Renewable Energies, Noureddine Yassa, CEO of Sonelgaz Mourad Adjal, AFREC Executive Director Rachid Ali Abdallah, senior officials from the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as senior staff of AFREC based in Algeria.

In his keynote address, Minister Arkab expressed Algeria’s deep pride in hosting this vital pan-African institution, emphasizing that the event reflects Algeria’s historic and principled commitment to African unity, solidarity, and integration. He underscored the country’s enduring support for sustainable development goals and regional cooperation.

The minister described the inauguration as a strategic moment in Africa’s pursuit of an integrated and equitable energy system. He noted the urgency of addressing challenges related to the energy transition, climate change, and universal access to energy—issues that demand coordinated continental responses.

AFREC, as a technical organ of the African Union, is now strategically positioned to become a dynamic hub for harmonizing energy policies across member states, facilitating knowledge exchange, and enhancing national capacities in renewable energy, energy efficiency, hydrocarbons, and long-term planning.

Minister Arkab reaffirmed Algeria’s full institutional and technical support to the Commission, pledging to elevate AFREC’s role as a continental platform capable of confronting Africa’s pressing energy challenges in a spirit of partnership and authentic African belonging.

Commissioner Matabogi, for her part, extended heartfelt gratitude to the Algerian government and people for their hospitality and longstanding commitment to African cooperation. She praised Algeria’s pioneering role in advancing energy development on the continent, drawing on its rich legacy and substantial expertise in both hydrocarbons and renewable energies.

She noted that AFREC’s physical establishment in Algiers reflects the trust and mandate bestowed by AU member states to steer the strategic direction of Africa’s energy sector in line with the Agenda 2063 vision of “The Africa We Want.”

Commissioner Matabogi detailed the Commission’s eight strategic pillars: energy data systems and statistics, energy efficiency, clean cooking, energy transition, renewable energy, bioenergy, oil and gas, and capacity building. She expressed confidence in Algeria’s future contributions to joint African energy ventures, including equipment exports, intra-African trade, and human capital development.

In closing, Minister Arkab expressed deep appreciation to the African Union Commission for Energy and Infrastructure for entrusting Algeria with this continental responsibility. He also acknowledged all partner nations and institutions that helped realize this ambitious project—an essential step toward achieving Africa’s Agenda 2063 and building a united, resilient, and energy-secure continent.

Long live a united and strong Africa. Long live the African Union.

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