Niger and Algeria strengthen energy cooperation in Kafra oil block

Niger's Minister of Petroleum, Hamadou Tini, has highlighted the strategic partnership between Niger and Algeria in developing the nation's energy sector. During a press briefing in Niamey, Tini emphasized the importance of Algerian expertise, specifically through the state-owned group Sonatrach and its subsidiary SIPEX, which has been active in the Kafra oil block since 2005.

A 2023 prospective study estimates the potential resources in the northern part of the Kafra block at approximately 2.5 billion barrels. However, Tini clarified that these figures represent prospective resources rather than proven reserves and remain subject to geological uncertainty. To better define the block's potential, authorities are planning a new drilling campaign consisting of four wells.

In addition to the prospective northern resources, the Kafra block contains other identified assets, including a heavy oil reservoir estimated at 168 million barrels. The cooperation between the two nations has been strengthened by several memorandums of understanding signed in June between Sonatrach subsidiaries and the Nigerien Petroleum Company (SONIDEP), covering geophysics, drilling, and petroleum products.