Algeria’s state energy group Sonelgaz has extended its reach into Senegal, signing two memorandums of understanding with national utility Senelec. The move follows earlier deployments in Mali, Niger, Cameroon, Benin and Mauritania.
The agreements were concluded during talks in Algiers between Algeria’s energy minister, Dr Mourad Adjal, and his Senegalese counterpart, El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf.
The discussions centred on sharing Algerian technical know-how and supporting Senegal’s electricity and gas infrastructure development.
Algeria’s energy diplomacy gains momentum
Algeria is moving beyond hydrocarbon exports to market its engineering expertise. Having built partnerships in Mali, Niger, Cameroon, Benin and Mauritania, Sonelgaz is now targeting West Africa.
During the Algiers meeting, Dr Adjal reaffirmed Algeria’s readiness to support Senegal across the entire value chain, from power generation and gas distribution to electrical equipment manufacturing and workforce training.
Natural gas at the centre of cooperation
Senegal, on the verge of joining the ranks of gas-producing nations, is seeking experienced partners to develop its resources. Sonelgaz’s expertise in gas-to-power generation, a field where Algeria has a strong track record, featured prominently in the talks.
The cooperation was formalised through two memorandums of understanding between Sonelgaz and Senelec, Senegal’s national electricity company. The agreements cover:
- Skills transfer and technical assistance;
- Manufacturing and marketing of electrical equipment;
- Development of energy infrastructure;
- Strengthening of electrical interconnection.
Dakar seeks a dependable partner
Senegal’s choice of Algeria was deliberate. Minister El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf described Algeria as a “reliable partner that Senegal will rely on in the next phase”, praising Algerian expertise and stressing that energy remains the strategic driver of his country’s development.
The alliance fits a vision of mutually beneficial South-South cooperation. By partnering with a continental leader like Sonelgaz, Senegal aims to accelerate its energy independence while keeping development costs in check.
Government-level accord expected in December
Sonelgaz’s Senegal push is only beginning. The Algiers meeting laid the groundwork for a broader political and economic partnership. Both countries have scheduled the signing of a comprehensive government agreement on energy and renewables in Dakar in early December.
With this expansion, Sonelgaz reinforces its ambition to become a leading player in electricity and gas across Africa, consolidating Algeria’s position as a regional energy power.