Algeria and Chad have taken a significant leap forward in strengthening their strategic partnership this week, signing two pivotal agreements during reciprocal visits between N’Djamena and Algiers. These accords aim to fast-track infrastructure and energy projects, building on commitments established in April to enhance South-South cooperation.

Infrastructure collaboration reaches new milestone

In N’Djamena, Algeria’s Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, Abdelkader Djellaoui, and Chad’s Minister of Infrastructure, Unblocking, and Road Maintenance, Amir Idriss Kourda, formalized an agreement to streamline cooperation in infrastructure development. The signing occurred during the second day of an Algerian delegation’s working visit to Chad, where both ministers acknowledged a swift momentum in implementing bilateral accords signed on April 22 in Algiers.

The agreement will prioritize the Trans-Saharan highway project, with technical teams already conducting joint site assessments and advancing feasibility studies. Progress includes mutual technical visits and preliminary groundwork for the road’s passage through Chad.

40 MW power plant to electrify N’Djamena

On the same day in Algiers, Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, Mourad Adjal, and Chad’s Minister of Water and Energy, Passalé Kanabé Marcelin, signed a landmark agreement for a 40-megawatt electricity plant in N’Djamena. This project aligns with Algeria’s policy of supporting African nations and deepening South-South collaboration, as outlined by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

The agreement covers comprehensive energy cooperation, including power generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as the supply of electrical and gas equipment and workforce training. Adjal confirmed that technical studies for the plant are complete, following a recent Sonelgaz team visit to Chad. Algeria is also preparing to export the necessary equipment ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony.

In a parallel move, Chad will send a team of engineers to Algeria for a month-long training program at Sonelgaz’s technical schools to ensure seamless operation of the plant once operational. Additional cooperation will focus on rehabilitating N’Djamena’s existing power grid.

A historic step for African energy cooperation

Chad’s Energy Minister Marcelin hailed the agreement as a historic milestone in Algeria-Chad relations, emphasizing that the foundations were laid during President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno’s official visit to Algiers in April. He praised Algeria’s growing role as a reference in African electricity expertise, noting that 12 Chadian trainees are already undergoing training in Algeria, with more programs planned.

Yazid Djellouli, CEO of Sonelgaz International, confirmed that the plant will be 100% Algerian in design, equipment, and labor. Chad’s authorities are set to finalize site preparations, equipment transfers, and construction kickoff simultaneously. Djellouli also revealed that Sonelgaz International, established in March, has already received multiple inquiries from African countries for similar energy and infrastructure projects.

Saleh Ben Haliki, Director-General of TDE (Tchadienne d’Électricité), described the project as a tangible outcome of the new dynamic in bilateral relations, reaffirming Chad’s commitment to leveraging Algeria’s recognized expertise in power sector development.