The recent inauguration of the 40-megawatt Gorou Banda power plant in Niamey, Niger, marks a pivotal moment for Sonelgaz-International’s strategic expansion across the African continent. This significant energy infrastructure represents the Algerian company’s inaugural major project outside its home country. Building on this success, a similar 40-megawatt power generation facility is now slated for construction in N’Djamena, Chad.
During the Gorou Banda plant’s commissioning in Niamey on Wednesday, June 3, the Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, Mourad Adjal, announced that the groundbreaking ceremony for the N’Djamena facility would take place in the coming days. Sonelgaz-International will spearhead this project as part of its broader deployment strategy throughout Africa.
The Minister further revealed that Sonelgaz-International is actively developing additional projects in various African nations. He highlighted growing interest in the company’s expertise, specifically mentioning Côte d’Ivoire and Mozambique. According to Adjal, the subsidiary is positioned to serve as a catalyst, facilitating partnerships between Algerian public and private enterprises in these diverse African ventures.
The upcoming Chad project is a direct outcome of an agreement forged between Algeria and Chad in May, focusing on the construction of an electricity generating station in N’Djamena.
In Niamey, Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb, representing President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, officially inaugurated the Gorou Banda plant alongside Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine.
Yazid Djellouli, CEO of Sonelgaz-International, explained that the Nigerien project commenced in March, shortly after the signing of agreements between Algeria and Niger. He lauded the plant’s completion as a “remarkable industrial and logistical achievement.”
“Following directives from the Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, Mourad Adjal, and in alignment with presidential guidance, Sonelgaz-International promptly initiated the transfer of essential equipment for the project’s execution,” Djellouli stated.
He elaborated on the extensive logistical effort required for equipment transport, describing it as a “true air bridge” involving over twenty rotations by Air Algérie Cargo. Approximately fifty managers, engineers, and technicians were mobilized on-site from late March to ensure timely completion.
“We successfully delivered this power plant in record time. This represents Sonelgaz-International’s first international step, and further projects will follow, both in Niger and other African countries,” Djellouli affirmed.
The CEO indicated that the Gorou Banda plant is expected to boost Niger’s national electricity production by approximately 20%, significantly enhancing the energy supply for the capital city.
Beyond electricity generation, Sonelgaz-International is also conducting studies focused on the rehabilitation and reinforcement of Niger’s national electricity grid, particularly along the Niamey-Agadez axis. These studies could pave the way for future contracts in West Africa’s energy sector.
“We are currently engaged in studies for grid rehabilitation and strengthening, especially on the Niamey-Agadez corridor,” the CEO clarified, adding: “We have successfully executed 8,000 MW and 4,000 MW programs with major international firms. This invaluable expertise enabled us to establish Sonelgaz-International and now allows us to export Algerian know-how.”
Khalil Hedna, Director of Communication for the Ministry of Energy and Renewable Energies, emphasized that the Niamey plant signifies an important phase in the group’s international activities. He also noted that Nigerien personnel received specialized training for the operation and maintenance of the new facilities, with a spare parts depot project currently under consideration.
Fati Abarchi, Director General of NIGELEC, commended the collaborative spirit between the two nations on this project. She characterized the partnership with Sonelgaz-International as an “exceptional experience” and expressed confidence in its continued success. Abarchi believes this power plant will be remembered as a historic achievement for Niger’s energy sector.
