Algeria and Chad have taken significant strides in deepening their strategic partnership this week, formalizing two critical agreements in the realms of public works and energy during reciprocal visits to N’Djamena and Algiers. The aim? To expedite commitments made in April and strengthen South-South cooperation.
Advancing trans-Saharan connectivity
In N’Djamena, Algeria’s Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, Abdelkader Djellaoui, and his Chadian counterpart, Amir Idriss Kourda—Minister of Infrastructure, Unblocking, and Road Maintenance—signed an accord to fast-track infrastructure cooperation projects. The signing followed a coordination meeting on the second day of the Algerian delegation’s working visit to Chad. The Chadian minister hailed the agreement as evidence of a “rapid momentum” in implementing bilateral deals inked on April 22 in Algiers. Progress includes mutual technical visits and the launch of feasibility studies for the trans-Saharan highway project across Chadian territory.
Powering N’Djamena: a 40 MW electricity plant
On the same day in Algiers, Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewables, Mourad Adjal, and Chad’s Minister of Water and Energy, Passalé Kanabé Marcelin, signed a deal to construct a 40-megawatt power plant in N’Djamena. The agreement aligns with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s vision to support African nations and foster South-South collaboration. Discussions covered electricity production, transport, and distribution, along with equipment supply and workforce training. Adjal confirmed that technical studies were finalized after Sonelgaz teams visited Chad last week, with preparations underway for groundbreaking ceremonies.
The Chadian side will send technicians for a month-long training program in Algeria’s Sonelgaz schools to ensure smooth plant operations post-completion. Additional cooperation includes rehabilitating N’Djamena’s power grid.
Milestone for African energy cooperation
For Marcelin, the accord marks a “historic milestone” and a turning point in Algeria-Chad relations. He credited President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno’s April visit to Algiers for laying the groundwork. The minister praised Algeria’s role as a regional electricity leader, noting that 12 Chadian trainees are already undergoing training in Algeria, with more cohorts to follow.
Yazid Djellouli, CEO of Sonelgaz International, emphasized the project’s Algerian-led execution, from equipment to labor. Site preparations and equipment transfers will begin soon, he added. Sonelgaz International, established in March, has already fielded inquiries from other African nations for similar energy ventures. Saleh Ben Haliki, Director-General of the Chadian Electricity Company, called the project a testament to the “new era” in bilateral ties, highlighting Chad’s eagerness to leverage Algeria’s proven expertise in electrification.
