ALGIERS – Algerian Minister of State, Minister of Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energies, Mohamed Arkab, received on Sunday the South African Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, who is on a visit to Algeria to participate in the fourth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair.
The meeting was held in the presence of the Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Algeria, the CEO of Sonatrach, Rachid Hachichi, as well as senior officials from the ministry.
The meeting served as an opportunity to explore ways to further strengthen the distinguished cooperation between Algeria and South Africa in the fields of energy, mining, and renewable energies—relations both sides described as historic and solid. Moreover, they reaffirmed their commitment to continue deepening the bilateral partnership and elevating it to new heights, in line with the outcomes of the state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, at the invitation of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, in December 2024, according to a statement by the Algerian ministry of energy.
The two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the hydrocarbons sector across the entire value chain, as well as in the fields of exploration, research, and the processing of mineral resources—especially critical and strategic metals that are essential components of industries related to renewable energies. The discussion also addressed investment opportunities and the exchange of expertise in the oil and gas industry, aiming to promote greater integration between the two countries in this sector, the statement said.
Regarding the energy sector, both parties emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in electricity and equipment manufacturing, as well as developing projects in photovoltaic solar energy, wind energy, energy storage, and green hydrogen. This is within the framework of the African Hydrogen Alliance initiative, chaired by South Africa, “which serves as a strategic platform to unite African efforts in developing this promising energy resource,” the source added.
On this occasion, Minister Arkab emphasized the importance of strengthening the partnership with South Africa, highlighting the significant potential offered by Algeria’s energy, mining, and renewable energy sectors—especially in light of the new legal and regulatory frameworks that provide a favorable and attractive investment environment, particularly in the exploitation and processing of mineral resources. He also urged South African companies to seize these priority investment opportunities.
On his part, the South African minister expressed his country’s eagerness to deepen its economic relations with Algeria, especially in the field of hydrocarbons and the marketing of liquefied natural gas. Additionally, he confirmed South Africa’s readiness to share its extensive expertise in mining and renewable energies, and to enhance the exchange of knowledge, experience, and technology transfer, in a way that supports projects for the exploration and transformation of mineral resources and contributes to the development of the energy industry in Algeria.
