Algeria builds second Sahel power plant, this time in Chad

Following its recent project in Niger, Algeria has now launched a new power plant initiative in Chad, continuing its strategy of fostering stability in the Sahel through tangible economic and social development.

Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb arrived in Chad on Monday, June 8, where he officially laid the foundation stone for a new electrical power plant gifted by Algeria. This is the second such facility built by Algeria in the region, coming just days after the one inaugurated in Niger on June 3, which was completed in a record 70 days by Sonelgaz International.

Algeria donates 40-megawatt power plant to Chad

The 40-megawatt plant, also to be constructed by Sonelgaz International, represents a donation from the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to this Sahel nation, following the directives of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

The cornerstone ceremony for what is being called the “Algerian-Chadian solidarity” power plant took place at the Farcha industrial zone in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad. The event was co-chaired by Prime Minister Ghrieb and his Chadian counterpart, Allamaye Halina.

In his remarks, Ghrieb described the project launch as a symbol of “unwavering political will” uniting the leadership of both countries, translating into concrete actions the high-level guidelines of President Tebboune and Chadian President Marshal Mohamed Idris Déby Itno. The goal, he said, is to elevate bilateral relations to a “strong strategic partnership based on effective solidarity, shared development, and mutual interests.”

Beyond its “symbolic importance for development,” Ghrieb noted that this event marks “a decisive step” in strengthening ties between Algeria and Chad. He stated that relations have moved “from the phase of consultation and planning to that of implementation and realisation of joint projects on the ground.”

The project, approved by President Tebboune, is one of the first outcomes of the renewed momentum generated by President Déby Itno’s official visit to Algeria in April 2026, Ghrieb added.

“The Africa we believe in is one of concrete initiatives”

The power plant carries significant economic, social, and humanitarian weight, according to the prime minister, as it will help bolster Chad’s energy capacity and support its development efforts. He emphasised that the energy sector today is “one of the fundamental pillars on which state economies rest, and a decisive factor for attracting investments, developing industry, improving public services, and raising citizens’ living standards.”

“Where energy is present, growth prospects widen, the pace of economic and social transformation accelerates, and levels of well-being increase,” he insisted.

Ghrieb also reaffirmed Algeria’s “deep conviction” that effective African cooperation can achieve shared development through concrete projects that directly benefit citizens and help build strong, sustainable national economies.

“The Africa we believe in is that of effective solidarity, concrete initiatives, productive investments, and partnerships that create wealth on its soil and for its peoples,” he said.

Algeria’s broad energy offensive in Africa and the Sahel

Several other strategic partnership projects are planned between Algiers and N’Djamena, including support for a refinery project in N’Djamena, enhanced cooperation in geological exploration and seismic studies, knowledge exchange and training, as well as the establishment of permanent joint mechanisms for consultation and coordination across the energy value chain, Ghrieb recalled.

At the inauguration of the Niamey plant on June 3, Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies Mourad Adjal noted growing demand for Sonelgaz International’s expertise from several African countries, including Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mozambique.

The company, created last March to carry out international projects, has already begun preparations for new initiatives in numerous African nations, the minister revealed.

Beyond electricity, Algeria has also engaged in oil and gas projects in the region, such as the exploitation of the Kafra oil field in northern Niger. On June 4, work on the Algerian section of the TSGP gas pipeline was officially launched in Adrar, with the oil ministers of Nigeria and Niger in attendance.