BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | April 22nd, 2025 — In a resolute reaffirmation of Algeria’s continental leadership in the energy sector, Minister of State, Minister of Energy, Mines and Renewable Energies, Mr. Mohamed Arkab, presided on Tuesday over the opening ceremony of the second edition of the Forum of Scientific Research Centers, Innovation and Technological Development for the member countries of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO).
Held in the Algerian capital, this high-level continental gathering convened under the theme “Innovation and Cooperation,” in the presence of Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary-General of APPO, Mr. Rachid Hachichi, CEO of Sonatrach, and an elite body of researchers, innovation experts, and senior representatives from APPO member states.
In his keynote address, Minister Arkab warmly welcomed the international delegations to Algeria, praising the forum as an essential platform for strengthening South-South cooperation and fostering strategic synergies between African nations in the fields of energy innovation and technological transformation.
“Algeria, in line with its unwavering pan-African commitments, is actively working to consolidate strategic partnerships with African states—particularly in the energy domain—through the advancement of scientific research, technological development, and the transition toward an integrated and sustainable energy model,” he declared.
The Minister emphasized that the choice of the forum’s theme, “Innovation and Cooperation,” reflects the collective will of African nations to harness knowledge-based partnerships and best practices to responsibly and efficiently exploit natural resources, especially in light of climate change and the global energy transition.
Highlighting Algeria’s role as a continental pioneer, Mr. Arkab showcased the outstanding achievements of Sonatrach, Algeria’s national oil company, in the realm of research and development. Over the past three years alone, Sonatrach has registered approximately 30 patents and initiated nearly 40 research projects, more than 70% of which are being executed in partnership with national and international institutions.
In a significant move to bridge academia and industry, the Minister revealed that Algeria has signed research collaboration agreements with seven national universities, leading to the creation of joint research laboratories and greater integration between scientific knowledge and energy production—a key pillar in ensuring both national and continental energy security.
Minister Arkab reiterated Algeria’s steadfast commitment to supporting African countries in exploration, training, local manufacturing, and technology transfer, drawing from over six decades of expertise in the hydrocarbon industry.
“Scientific research and innovation are not merely complementary elements, but strategic foundations of Algeria’s vision for sustainable energy development and continental solidarity,” he concluded.
