The groundbreaking ceremony for the 40-megawatt power station, an investment fully backed by Algeria, took place in Chad’s capital, N’Djamena. Dignitaries present included Chadian Prime Minister Allah-Maye Halina and his Algerian counterpart, Sifi Ghrieb. Dubbed the “Algerian-Chadian Solidarity Plant,” the infrastructure will be constructed by Sonelgaz International, a subsidiary of Algeria’s state-owned electricity and gas group. This project directly addresses Chad’s pressing energy needs, where demand consistently outstrips current production capacity.

Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb arrived in N’Djamena leading a high-level delegation, which included ministers, public officials, and executives from key sectors such as energy, hydrocarbons, and infrastructure. Among them were Mohamed Arkab, Minister of Hydrocarbons, and Mourad Adjal, Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, alongside representatives from various Algerian public enterprises. Algerian authorities have framed the new plant as a pivotal act of cooperation, initiated by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, aimed at deepening bilateral ties with N’Djamena.

Following the ceremony, Sifi Ghrieb articulated Algeria’s commitment to tangible cooperation, stating, “This plant embodies Algeria’s conviction that effective African cooperation can foster shared development through concrete projects that directly benefit populations.” The Algerian head of government further emphasized “active solidarity, productive investments, and partnerships that create wealth for the people.” Energy is clearly emerging as a cornerstone of Algeria’s economic engagement across the Sahel region. Just days prior, on June 3, Algeria had inaugurated an identically sized power plant in Niger, also executed by Sonelgaz International.

Beyond the power plant, discussions between the two delegations encompassed broader continental initiatives. These included the Trans-Saharan road, fiber optic networks, and air and logistical links designed to enhance regional commercial connectivity. On security matters, both Algiers and N’Djamena reiterated their resolve to strengthen diplomatic coordination on Sahelian and wider African issues, with a particular focus on African-led solutions and upholding state sovereignty.

Since establishing its International Cooperation Agency for Solidarity and Development in 2020, backed by an announced budget of one billion dollars, Algeria has significantly ramped up its funding for infrastructure, energy projects, and economic initiatives across numerous African nations.