Algeria’s SONATRACH Group and Niger’s state-owned petroleum company SONIDEP signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to expand cooperation in seismic services, drilling operations, and petroleum product distribution in Niger.

The agreements were signed during a ceremony attended by Algeria’s Minister of State and Minister of Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, Niger’s Minister of Petroleum, Hamadou Tini, SONATRACH Chairman and CEO Noureddine Daoudi, and SONIDEP General Director Colonel Ali Seibou Hassane.

Under the first MoU, SONATRACH’s subsidiary, the National Company of Geophysics (ENAGEO), will cooperate with SONIDEP on seismic data processing activities across Niger.

The second agreement, signed between the National Drilling Company (ENAFOR), another  SONATRACH subsidiary, and SONIDEP, provides for the establishment of a joint venture to carry out oil and gas drilling operations in Niger.

Meanwhile, SONATRACH’s subsidiary the National Company for Marketing and Distribution of Petroleum Products (NAFTAL) signed a third MoU with SONIDEP covering cooperation in petroleum product distribution, the development of filling centers, and training programs. The agreement also includes the creation of a joint venture focused on the manufacturing, formulation, distribution, and storage of bitumen.

The three agreements build on the MoU signed between the two African companies in October 2024 and reflect the two countries’ efforts to strengthen economic cooperation and develop long-term strategic partnerships in the energy sector.

Before this transaction,  Algeria and Niger, alongside Nigeria, signed a series of agreements in February 2025 aimed at advancing the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline project, including arrangements covering feasibility studies, cost-sharing mechanisms, and cooperation between the participating energy companies.