Algeria, Niger Deepen Energy Ties as Kafra Exploration Drilling Begins
Launch of Kafra Sud-Est 1 marks a new phase in bilateral energy cooperation, with Sonatrach and Sonidep expanding collaboration from exploration into technology transfer, training and industrial integration
By Dr. Hana Saada
Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb and his Nigerien counterpart, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, on Thursday officially launched drilling operations for the Kafra Sud-Est 1 exploration well in Niger, marking a new step in the expanding strategic partnership between the two neighbouring countries.
Ghrieb, acting on the instructions of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to strengthening its relations with Niger, describing the project as a new milestone in a broader partnership whose foundations were reinforced during Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tiani’s visit to Algeria.
From exploration to an integrated energy partnership
Ghrieb said Kafra Sud-Est 1 was the result of sustained efforts by Algerian and Nigerien officials, engineers, technicians and partners working under difficult natural, logistical and field conditions.
The project brings together Algeria’s Sonatrach and Niger’s national oil company Sonidep across a broad range of activities, including research, exploration, development and production, as well as drilling services, refining, petrochemicals, petroleum-product distribution and marketing, training, technology transfer and capacity building.
The Algerian prime minister stressed that cooperation should extend beyond the Kafra project itself towards the creation of an integrated and sustainable industrial partnership.
He presented the approach as part of Algeria’s broader objective of building an African energy partnership based on integration and mutual development, rather than limiting cooperation to individual extraction projects.
Energy cooperation and regional integration
Ghrieb also linked the bilateral energy partnership to the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, which he said had entered implementation phases and represented a strategic component of wider African integration.
He said the accelerated implementation of bilateral projects reflected a shift from agreements and intentions to concrete projects on the ground, with direct follow-up by the leadership of both countries.
The Kafra site, located close to Algeria’s southern border, also carries a wider strategic significance, according to Ghrieb. He said cooperation in border areas could help transform them into spaces for joint development while contributing to security and stability in the Sahel.
Ghrieb conveyed Tebboune’s commitment to continuing cooperation with Niger and supporting efforts aimed at strengthening regional stability and advancing development and prosperity across Africa.
Niger hails strategic importance of project
Zeine welcomed the level of bilateral cooperation and described the Kafra development as a “major step” in the partnership between the two countries.
The launch ceremony concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and a visit to the project site and drilling facilities, followed by bilateral talks between the two prime ministers.
Ghrieb was accompanied by Minister of State and Minister of Hydrocarbons Mohamed Arkab, Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Lounès Magramane, Algeria’s ambassador to Niger Ahmed Saadi, and Sonatrach chief executive Nour Eddine Daoudi.
— 𝐄𝐍𝐃 —
Dzair Tube Media Group | Record and Standing
Dzair Tube is a leading Algerian digital journalism platform, delivering high-quality content in Arabic, French, and English. With a daily readership exceeding 500,000, it has established itself among the country’s most influential media organizations.
Recognized for editorial excellence and integrity, Dzair Tube was awarded the President of the Republic’s Prize for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on 22 October 2022. The platform operates from state-of-the-art studios, producing diverse programming across news, sports, culture, entertainment, and religion.
Dzair Tube maintains a robust digital presence, with over 600,000 YouTube subscribers, six million followers across Facebook pages, and more than 70,000 Instagram followers. Its sports daily, Dzair Sport, enjoys over 50,000 daily downloads via its official website, cementing its leadership in multimedia journalism.
Further recognized with the Media Leadership Award by former Minister of Communication Mohamed Laâgab and celebrated at the Hilals of Television awards, Dzair Tube continues to set benchmarks in innovation, influence, and public engagement, serving as a key forum for civic discourse, critical analysis, and public affairs.
Official website: www.dzair-tube.dz | English: www.dzair-tube.dz/en
