Algeria and Chad advance trans-Saharan highway and N’Djamena power plant projects

The strategic partnership between Algeria and Chad has reached a new milestone this week, marked by the signing of two pivotal agreements in the realms of infrastructure and energy. The accords, finalized during reciprocal visits to N’Djamena and Algiers, aim to fast-track commitments made in April and bolster South-South cooperation.

Driving infrastructure collaboration forward

In N’Djamena, Algeria’s Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, Abdelkader Djellaoui, joined forces with Chad’s Minister of Infrastructure, Unblocking, and Road Maintenance, Amir Idriss Kourda. Together, they inked an agreement to streamline infrastructure cooperation projects. The signing took place during the second day of an Algerian delegation’s working visit, following a coordination meeting that underscored rapid progress in bilateral accords signed on April 22 in Algiers.

The Tchadian official praised the swift implementation of these agreements, highlighting on-the-ground advancements. These include technical exchanges and the initiation of feasibility studies for the trans-Saharan highway project, which will traverse Chad’s territory.

40 MW power plant takes shape in N’Djamena

Simultaneously, in Algiers, Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewables, Mourad Adjal, and Chad’s Minister of Water and Energy, Passalé Kanabé Marcelin, formalized an agreement to construct a 40-megawatt power plant in N’Djamena. This initiative aligns with Algeria’s commitment to supporting African nations and fostering South-South cooperation.

The ministers explored broader energy cooperation avenues, including electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as the supply of electrical and gas equipment and workforce training. Adjal confirmed that technical studies for the project are complete, following a recent Sonelgaz team visit to Chad.

Both parties are now preparing to import necessary equipment ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony. A team of Tchadian technicians will undergo a month-long training program at Algeria’s Sonelgaz schools to ensure the plant’s future operation. Additionally, the collaboration includes plans to rehabilitate N’Djamena’s power grid.

Milestone for South-South cooperation

For the Tchadian minister, this agreement represents a “historic milestone” and a significant step in Algerian-Chadian relations. He noted that the foundations for this cooperation were laid during Tchadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno’s official visit to Algiers in April. Marcelin expressed gratitude to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for his support in the energy sector, calling Algeria a “true benchmark” for African nations in electricity infrastructure.

Twelve Tchadian trainees are currently undergoing training in Algeria, with more set to benefit from similar programs. Yazid Djellouli, CEO of Sonelgaz International, emphasized that the power plant will be “100% Algerian” in terms of design, equipment, and labor. Tchadian authorities are expected to soon begin site preparation, alongside equipment transfers and construction commencement.

Djellouli also revealed that Sonelgaz International, established in March, has already received multiple requests from African countries for energy and related infrastructure projects. Saleh Ben Haliki, Director-General of Chad’s electricity company, hailed this initiative as one of the first tangible outcomes of the “new relations” between the two nations, reaffirming Chad’s eagerness to leverage Algeria’s recognized expertise in power sector development.