Minister Arkab discusses strengthening bilateral cooperation with Ethiopian Minister of Water and Energy
ADDIS ABABA – Algerian Minister of State, Minister of Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energies, Mohamed Arkab, held extensive talks on Monday with the Ethiopian Minister of Water and Energy, Habtamu Itefa Geleta, in the presence of the CEO of Sonatrach, Rachid Hachichi, the CEO of Sonelgaz, Mourad Adjal, as well as senior officials from the ministry and both Algerian companies, the Algerian ministry said in a statement.
The discussions centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fields of electricity production, transmission, distribution, and conversion. The Ethiopian side expressed keen interest in leveraging Algeria’s expertise, especially through Sonelgaz, to develop its electrical grid in remote and rural areas, as well as to export energy at the regional level, the statement said, adding that Minister Arkab confirmed Algeria’s readiness to support Ethiopia in developing renewable energy projects, particularly in centralized and decentralized photovoltaic solar stations, as well as wind energy. He also highlighted Algeria’s expertise, through Sonelgaz, in electrifying rural and isolated areas, strengthening electrical networks, and providing innovative solutions to improve energy consumption efficiency.
For his part, the Ethiopian minister presented the progress made in Ethiopia’s energy sector, noting that the percentage of the population with access to electricity has risen to 54%. He also highlighted the positive impact of expanding solar power plants in educational institutions and public facilities. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of cooperation with Algeria in rural electrification, citing the provision of electricity to over 10,000 people in the Somali, Oromia, and Afar regions. He expressed his country’s interest in drawing on Algeria’s expertise in electrifying agricultural investments, industrial zones, and development projects.
According to the statement, both sides agreed at the end of the meeting to establish a joint working group to identify tangible projects in the near future, aimed at strengthening energy cooperation and creating new partnership opportunities in renewable energy projects, electrical infrastructure, and networks. This will ensure a fruitful exchange of expertise and contribute to achieving sustainable development for both countries.
