Sonatrach, SMH Forge Strategic Energy Alliance Between Algeria and Mauritania

✍️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

A new phase of bilateral cooperation is underway as the two countries lay the groundwork for joint ventures in oil and gas exploration, training, and product distribution—anchored by trust, expertise exchange, and shared strategic vision.

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Algiers, Algeria | June 29th, 2025 — Algeria and Mauritania have taken a significant leap forward in strengthening their bilateral relations, this time in the critical energy sector. Following robust economic cooperation initiatives—such as the establishment of a free trade zone and the recent Algerian Product Trade Fair held in Nouakchott—the two countries are now cementing a partnership centered on hydrocarbons.

The CEO of Sonatrach, Mr. Rachid Hachichi, led a high-level delegation to Mauritania, where he met with his counterpart at the Société Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures (SMH), Mr. Ismail Abdel Fattah. This official visit forms part of the implementation framework of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2025, reaffirming the two sides’ commitment to a win-win strategic partnership.

Non-Disclosure Agreement Signed to Secure Energy Data Exchange

The meeting culminated in the signing of a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) concerning oil and gas fields across both nations. According to a statement released by Sonatrach, this NDA is designed to govern the exchange of sensitive technical data and confidential exploration information, thereby laying the foundation for a lasting collaboration built on mutual trust and transparency.

The Sonatrach CEO emphasized that this initiative is aligned with the strategic pillars outlined in the January memorandum, particularly in areas such as training programs, technical cooperation, and operational expertise sharing. The goal, he affirmed, is to translate the protocol into concrete, results-driven actions that elevate both countries’ positions in the regional energy landscape.

Joint Ventures on the Horizon

In a forward-looking gesture, Mr. Hachichi announced Sonatrach’s readiness to welcome additional Mauritanian professionals into its production units to receive hands-on technical training. More significantly, he revealed that the Algerian giant is actively exploring the possibility of creating a joint venture focused on the distribution and marketing of petroleum products within Mauritania—an initiative that would further solidify energy ties between the two Maghreb neighbors.

From the Mauritanian side, SMH’s CEO Mr. Abdel Fattah echoed the enthusiasm for deeper integration and unveiled that several ambitious projects are under review. Among them are plans to establish a joint exploration company in the coastal gas basin, and another enterprise for the marketing and supply of refined petroleum products.

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