Sonelgaz International Expands African Footprint with Over 1,000 MW Energy Portfolio
BY Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS — Sonelgaz International, a subsidiary of Algeria’s national utility group Sonelgaz, is progressively expanding its footprint across Africa through a growing portfolio of electricity generation and transmission projects estimated at up to 1,000 megawatts across different countries, alongside additional transmission infrastructure initiatives.
According to company officials, the group’s international strategy is based on exporting national expertise in electricity production and grid management, with project capacities ranging between 40 MW and 1,000 MW depending on host countries. This expansion is complemented by a 600 MW cross-border transmission line, reflecting increased operational activity in high-demand regional energy markets.
Speaking to Algeria’s Radio Channel 3, Sonelgaz International CEO Yazid Djellouli outlined several ongoing projects across the continent. In Chad, the company has developed a 25 MW solar power plant, of which 12 MW are currently being injected into the grid due to limitations in the local transmission infrastructure. Technical studies are underway to reinforce and restructure the network in order to optimise output and improve supply stability.
In Niger, Sonelgaz International has built a 40 MW power station, accounting for approximately one-fifth of the country’s national electricity production. The project is part of broader efforts to address chronic energy shortages in the region, where installed capacity remains significantly below demand.
Regionally, Algeria continues to export electricity to Tunisia through a 400 kV high-voltage interconnection line with a capacity of 600 MW, representing one of the most advanced Maghreb energy cooperation frameworks. The company also indicated that an independent power producer (IPP) project is under study in Tunisia, with a planned capacity of between 1,000 and 1,200 MW, potentially introducing new financing and investment models based on long-term power purchase agreements.
In West Africa, Côte d’Ivoire has been identified as a key target market, with planned generation projects estimated between 700 MW and 1,000 MW, reflecting rising electricity demand driven by urbanisation and industrial development. Sonelgaz International aims to position itself within the large-scale infrastructure segment in competition with established international operators.
The company’s portfolio also extends to Mozambique, Chad and Niger, combining infrastructure development with a broader capacity-building approach. This includes skills transfer, training of local personnel, and technical support to national operators to ensure the sustainability and long-term operation of energy systems.
Sonelgaz International says its strategy follows a phased model of development, combining project delivery with institutional support, with the objective of building resilient electricity systems before advancing into further stages of cooperation and expansion across the continent.
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