Algeria and Chad advance trans-Saharan highway and power plant projects

Algeria and Chad have taken a decisive step forward in their strategic partnership this week, signing two groundbreaking agreements during reciprocal visits to N’Djamena and Algiers. The deals aim to fast-track infrastructure and energy projects initiated in April, while strengthening South-South cooperation between the two nations.

Infrastructure cooperation takes shape

On Thursday in N’Djamena, Algeria’s Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, Abdelkader Djellaoui, and his Chadian counterpart for Infrastructure, Unblocking, and Road Maintenance, Amir Idriss Kourda, formalized an agreement to accelerate bilateral infrastructure projects. The signing occurred during a coordination meeting on the second day of the Algerian delegation’s working visit to Chad. During the discussions, the Chadian minister highlighted the “rapid momentum” in implementing the bilateral agreements signed on April 22 in Algiers. He pointed to tangible progress, including joint technical assessments and the initiation of feasibility studies for the trans-Saharan highway project crossing Chadian territory.

40 MW power plant to boost Chad’s energy supply

Meanwhile in Algiers, Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, Mourad Adjal, and Chad’s Minister of Water and Energy, Passalé Kanabé Marcelin, signed an agreement to construct a 40-megawatt power plant in N’Djamena. This initiative aligns with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s commitment to supporting African nations through enhanced South-South collaboration. The ministers explored broader energy cooperation prospects, covering electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as the supply of electrical and gas equipment and technical training. Adjal noted that the project’s technical study has been finalized following a recent site assessment by Sonelgaz teams in Chad.

The two sides are now preparing for equipment exports ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony. Additionally, Chadian technical teams will undergo a month-long training program at Sonelgaz’s Algerian training facilities to ensure smooth operations once the plant becomes active. The partnership will also include the rehabilitation of N’Djamena’s electrical grid.

A milestone for South-South cooperation

For the Chadian minister, the agreement represents “a historic milestone” and a significant milestone in Algeria-Chad relations. He recalled that the foundations of this cooperation were laid during Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno’s official visit to Algiers in April. Marcelin expressed gratitude to President Tebboune for Algeria’s energy support, emphasizing that Algeria has become “a true benchmark” for African nations in electricity infrastructure. He added that 12 Chadian trainees are currently undergoing training in Algeria, with more cohorts set to benefit from similar programs.

Yazid Djellouli, CEO of Sonelgaz International, confirmed that the power plant will be “100% Algerian” in design, equipment, and workforce. Chadian authorities are expected to soon begin site preparation while equipment transfers and construction activities commence. He also revealed that Sonelgaz International, established in March, has already received multiple inquiries from African countries for similar energy and infrastructure projects.

Saleh Ben Haliki, Director-General of Chad’s electricity utility, hailed the project as one of the first tangible outcomes of the “new relationship” between the two countries. He reaffirmed Chad’s commitment to leveraging Algeria’s recognized expertise in electricity coverage.