Algerian Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, presided on Sunday over the official launch ceremony of the Algeria Bid Round 2026, saying the event is part of the State’s strategic vision aimed at enhancing the attractiveness of the hydrocarbons sector and optimizing national resources, thereby strengthening Algeria’s position as a reliable destination for energy investment.
The event is organized by Algeria’s National Agency for the Valorization of Hydrocarbon Resources (ALNAFT).
Arkab noted that this round builds on the momentum achieved during the 2024 round, which witnessed growing international interest, reflecting confidence in Algeria’s investment climate, the Algerian Ministry of Hydrocarbons said in a statement.
In his speech, Arkab said Algeria is working to create a clearer and more attractive business environment by simplifying procedures, reducing processing times, and digitizing administrative processes. These measures are intended to attract investment, facilitate technology transfer, and strengthen expertise, within an international context marked by rapid transformations that require new investments to ensure supply sustainability and enhance energy security, the statement said.
He also highlighted Algeria’s pivotal role as a reliable energy player, ensuring secure and sustainable supply flows to global markets and contributing to the stability of energy markets. This is supported by the country’s strategic geographic location, its natural resources, and its advanced infrastructure in transport and export.
In the same context, he stressed Algeria’s commitment to ensuring stable and regular energy supplies, supported by significant production capacities, particularly in electricity generated from renewable sources. He also highlighted the availability of a national industrial base capable of supplying the oil and gas sector with equipment and installations that meet international standards, in addition to a highly qualified and skilled human resource pool.
Arkab, moreover, emphasized the importance of industrial subcontracting, which represents a strategic pillar in the development of the hydrocarbons sector, through the contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises as well as start-ups in providing specialized technical services and strengthening local content.
Regarding the legal and regulatory framework, the minister affirmed that the Hydrocarbons Law (19-13) provides a clear and balanced investment environment that safeguards the State’s interests while also meeting investors’ expectations. He noted that the 2026 round includes competitive incentives and transparent, efficient procedures for awarding contracts, under the supervision of the National Agency for the Valorization of Hydrocarbon Resources (ALNAFT).
He also highlighted Algeria’s commitment to developing a sustainable hydrocarbons industry by integrating modern environmental standards, reducing emissions, and limiting gas flaring, while adopting best practices for monitoring methane emissions. This also includes advancing carbon capture and storage projects and improving energy efficiency, in line with international efforts to combat climate change.
In this context, the Minister reaffirmed that natural gas will remain a key component of the energy mix during the transition period, while simultaneously working to develop promising hydrogen projects, opening new prospects for partnership and investment, according to the ministry’s statement.
