Algeria and Niger invigorate their energy collaboration
Kafra Sud-Est 1
Acting on directives from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb journeyed to Niger on Thursday. His mission was to oversee, alongside his Nigerien counterpart Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, the official commencement of drilling operations for the Kafra Sud-Est 1 exploration well. This significant undertaking marks a pivotal moment in solidifying the strategic alliance between Algiers and Niamey, simultaneously boosting Sonatrach’s operational presence within Niger.
Upon his arrival at the Kafra oil field, situated in northern Niger approximately 85 kilometers from the Algerian border, the Prime Minister received a warm welcome from his Nigerien counterpart, accompanied by cabinet members and senior officials. This high-level visit unfolds amidst a shared aspiration among leaders from both nations to inject fresh momentum into Algerian-Nigerien relations. The aim is to elevate these ties beyond political rapprochement towards tangible economic and energy cooperation.
The initiation of drilling at Kafra Sud-Est 1 perfectly embodies this renewed dynamism. It represents one of the initial concrete steps on the ground, reflecting a collective will to enhance joint ventures in critical sectors, particularly energy and hydrocarbons.
During the official ceremony, Sifi Ghrieb emphasized that this operation constitutes “a new cornerstone” in the strategic partnership between Algeria and Niger. He highlighted that this project follows just weeks after the inauguration of the Niamey power plant.
“We convene today, two months and ten days subsequent to the commissioning of the Niamey power plant, to collectively lay another foundation stone for our strategic partnership,” the Prime Minister declared.
This fresh impetus originates from the expressed desire of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and his Nigerien counterpart, Army General Abdourahamane Tiani, to strengthen bilateral relations and translate their political resolve into concrete programs and projects.
It also aligns with the implementation of resolutions from the second session of the Algerian-Nigerien Grand Joint Cooperation Commission, which took place on March 23 and 24, 2026, in Niamey.
High-stakes exploration operation
The drilling of the Kafra Sud-Est 1 well is part of extensive exploration efforts designed to comprehensively assess the Kafra oil field’s potential before considering any subsequent development and production phases. For Sonatrach, the stakes are thus multi-faceted: energetic, industrial, and strategic. The Algerian group intends to leverage its expertise for this operation while firmly establishing its long-term presence in Niger. The project involves several of the group’s subsidiaries. The National Drilling Company (Enafor) is tasked with coordinating the human, technical, and logistical resources required for the well’s execution. The National Well Services Company (ENSP) contributes its specialized competencies, while the National Geophysics Company (ENG) provides its expertise for geophysical operations. This comprehensive mobilization serves as a powerful demonstration of Algerian know-how in the hydrocarbon sector, enabling Sonatrach to unite multiple capabilities around a single international project.
Brahim Hammoudi, CEO of Enafor, clearly articulated this ambition, underscoring the company’s commitment to “solidify its presence in Niger within a framework of sustainable cooperation.”
Beyond the technical execution of the drilling, Kafra Sud-Est 1 is poised to showcase Algerian drilling proficiency, simultaneously allowing Enafor to broaden its experience in international markets.
Niger, a partner set for increasing prominence
However, cooperation between the two nations is not expected to be confined solely to exploration activities. A memorandum of understanding, inked on June 2, between Enafor and the Nigerien National Petroleum Company (Sonidep), outlines a study for the establishment of a specialized drilling joint venture. This initiative could pave the way for deeper industrial collaboration, particularly focused on skills transfer, human resource training, and bolstering local capabilities. For Algeria, this represents an opportunity to expand its companies’ operations in Niger while contributing to the development of Niger’s oil industry. For Niamey, this partnership offers a chance to benefit from the extensive experience and expertise of a petroleum group with a long history in hydrocarbon exploration and production.
Four exploration wells planned
Furthermore, Kafra Sud-Est 1 serves as the inaugural step in a broader exploration initiative. According to Rabah Bouchak, SIPEX director in Niger, Sonatrach plans to launch four exploration wells in northern Niger over the next two years. This schedule underscores the group’s growing interest in the region’s energy potential and confirms its commitment to progressively strengthening its footprint in Niger.
Studies and work conducted to date have revealed promising hydrocarbon prospects, lending particular significance to upcoming exploration operations.
The launch of Kafra Sud-Est 1 thus represents a crucial phase for deepening understanding of the field’s potential and determining the outlook for its eventual development.
A new chapter in Sonatrach’s african expansion
For Sonatrach, the Kafra project aligns with a broader strategy to expand its operations across the African continent.
The Algerian group already possesses experience in several African countries, notably Libya, where it is involved in exploration and production activities. Niger is now emerging as a new focus for developing its operations and expertise in the hydrocarbon sector.
Sonatrach’s presence in Niger is therefore no longer a one-off operation. It is evolving into a long-term strategy encompassing exploration, oil services, skills transfer, and the development of industrial partnerships.
Through Kafra Sud-Est 1, Algeria aims to leverage its energy expertise while contributing to the growth of Niger’s petroleum sector.
In this regard, Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb’s visit and the official launch of drilling signify a significant evolution in bilateral relations. Following the commissioning of the Niamey power plant, the hydrocarbon sector now constitutes a new major area of cooperation.
Beyond the drilling of a single well, Kafra Sud-Est 1 emerges as a project with profound strategic implications: it symbolizes Algiers and Niamey’s determination to transform their political rapprochement into a lasting economic partnership, making energy a vital catalyst for their cooperation and shared progress.
