Sonatrach: Hachichi Explores Partnerships with Ivorian Energy Minister
Rachid Hachichi, the CEO of Algerian oil company Sonatrach, engaged in discussions regarding potential partnership opportunities between Algeria and Ivory Coast with Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly, the Ivorian Minister of Mines, Oil, and Energy, during a meeting in Abidjan on Thursday, as reported by the company.
The conversation took place during Minister Coulibaly’s audience with Hachichi and centered on exploring collaboration prospects within the energy sector. Hachichi is currently on a working visit to Ivory Coast, heading a high-level delegation from Sonatrach as part of their participation in the International Exhibition for Extractive and Energy Resources (SIREXE), which is being held in Abidjan from November 27 to December 2, 2024.
During the meeting, “the two parties reviewed the strong ties between their nations and examined potential partnerships,” the statement noted, adding that they also discussed “how Sonatrach’s expertise could benefit Ivorian companies.”
In addition to this meeting, Hachichi and his delegation took part in various activities, including the opening ceremony of SIREXE, which was inaugurated by Alassane Ouattara, the President of Ivory Coast. This event was followed by three high-level panels and discussions in which Hachichi interacted with several counterparts from participating companies and organizations.
The agenda for the first day of the visit featured a significant meeting between the Sonatrach delegation, led by Hachichi, and a delegation from Petroci Holding, headed by Director General Fatoumata Sanogo. The discussions focused on avenues for cooperation between the two companies.
On the second day, the Sonatrach delegation attended the opening ceremony of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Forum on Sustainable Energy, which included panels addressing hydrocarbons and the mining sector.
During this event, Hachichi delivered a speech titled “Hydrocarbons: Challenges, Stakes, and Perspectives for 2050,” emphasizing the necessity of enhancing cooperation between Algeria and Ivory Coast to develop infrastructure, share expertise, and explore new investment opportunities in hydrocarbons and renewable energy.
Furthermore, the CEO of Sonatrach praised the “historic and continually evolving” relations between the two countries. He referenced the ongoing development of a draft agreement between Sonatrach and Petroci aimed at bolstering partnerships in areas of mutual interest, according to the company’s statement.
Hachichi also participated in a roundtable discussion involving national hydrocarbon companies from across Africa, moderated by Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO). This meeting provided an opportunity to discuss collaboration among national hydrocarbon companies and African nations to achieve energy self-sufficiency and contribute to the continent’s sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Hachichi’s visit, along with his accompanying delegation, was made at the invitation of the Ivorian Minister of Mines, Oil, and Energy to attend SIREXE, as stated in the announcement.
