The groundbreaking ceremony for the 40-megawatt power station, entirely funded by Algeria, took place in N’Djamena. Dignitaries present included Chadian Prime Minister Allah-Maye Halina and his Algerian counterpart, Sifi Ghrieb. Dubbed the “Algero-Chadian Solidarity Plant,” the facility will be constructed by Sonelgaz International, a subsidiary of Algeria’s state-owned electricity and gas group. This crucial infrastructure is poised to significantly augment Chad’s electricity generation capabilities, addressing the nation’s burgeoning energy demand that currently outstrips available supply.

Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb’s visit to N’Djamena was accompanied by a high-level delegation, comprising ministers, public officials, and leaders from key energy, hydrocarbon, and infrastructure enterprises. Notable attendees included Mohamed Arkab, Minister of Hydrocarbons, and Mourad Adjal, Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, alongside representatives from various Algerian public companies. Algerian authorities have framed this power plant as a concrete demonstration of cooperation, initiated by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, designed to strengthen bilateral ties with N’Djamena.

Following the ceremony, Sifi Ghrieb articulated Algeria’s vision for cooperation, emphasizing tangible projects. “This power plant reflects Algeria’s conviction that effective African cooperation can foster shared development through concrete initiatives that directly benefit populations,” he stated. The Algerian head of government further underscored the importance of “active solidarity, productive investments, and wealth-creating partnerships dedicated to the service of our peoples.” Energy is clearly emerging as a pivotal component of Algeria’s economic engagement in the broader West Africa Sahel region. Just days prior, on June 3rd, Algiers had unveiled a similar 40-megawatt power plant in Niger, also constructed by Sonelgaz International.

Discussions between the two delegations also extended to several vital continental initiatives. These included the Trans-Saharan Road, expanding fiber optic networks, and enhancing air and logistical connections aimed at boosting regional trade. On security matters, Algiers and N’Djamena reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic coordination on Sahelian and wider African issues, emphasizing the importance of African-led solutions and upholding state sovereignty.

Since the establishment of its International Cooperation Agency for Solidarity and Development in 2020, backed by an announced budget of one billion dollars, Algeria has increasingly financed infrastructure, energy projects, and economic initiatives across numerous African nations.