Algeria launches 40 mw power plant in Chad, strengthening Sahel energy ties

On Monday, Chad and Algeria broke ground on a 40-megawatt power plant in N’Djamena, with full financing from Algiers. The project, implemented by Sonelgaz International, aims to strengthen Chad’s electricity supply and bilateral economic cooperation. This launch comes just days after Algeria inaugurated a similar facility in Niger.

The cornerstone ceremony was attended by Chad’s Prime Minister Allah-Maye Halina and Algeria’s Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb. Named the “Algerian-Chadian solidarity power plant,” the facility will be built by Sonelgaz International, a subsidiary of Algeria’s state-owned energy group. Chad faces electricity demand that far exceeds current generation capacity.

Sifi Ghrieb traveled to N’Djamena with a delegation including Ministers Mohamed Arkab (Hydrocarbons), Mourad Adjal (Energy and Renewable Energies), and other officials from energy, hydrocarbon, and infrastructure companies. Algeria’s statement described the plant as a gesture of cooperation ordered by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to strengthen bilateral ties with Chad.

After the ceremony, Ghrieb emphasized the importance of tangible projects: “This power plant reflects Algeria’s belief that effective African cooperation can generate shared development through concrete projects with a direct impact on people.” He also highlighted “active solidarity, productive investments, and wealth-creating partnerships for the benefit of peoples.” Energy is becoming a key pillar of Algeria’s economic presence in the Sahel. On June 3, Algeria inaugurated a similar capacity plant in Niger, also built by Sonelgaz International.

Discussions between delegations also covered continental projects: the trans-Saharan highway, fiber optic networks, and air and logistics connections to improve regional trade. On security, Algeria and Chad reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen diplomatic coordination on Sahel and African issues, emphasizing African solutions and respect for state sovereignty.

Since establishing its International Cooperation Agency for Solidarity and Development in 2020 with a reported $1 billion budget, Algeria has multiplied infrastructure, energy, and economic initiatives across several African countries.