A delegation from the World Bank visited the Algerian Ministry of Energy and Mines on Wednesday, where discussions centered on enhancing cooperation between the two parties across various sectors, according to a ministry communiqué.
The delegation, led by Ahmadou Moustapha Ndiaye, Director for the Maghreb and Malta in the Middle East and North Africa region, met with Abdelkrim Aouissi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, along with several other ministry officials.
During the meeting, both parties explored opportunities for collaboration between Algeria and the World Bank, particularly focusing on the exchange of expertise and technical support for current and future projects. Key initiatives discussed included the development of renewable energy sources—specifically photovoltaic solar and wind energy—green hydrogen advancements, regional electrical interconnection, and Algeria’s emissions reduction efforts, alongside broader sector projects.
On this occasion, the Secretary General provided an overview of the key focal points of Algeria’s energy policy and its various development programs, especially those related to hydrocarbons, relevant infrastructure, electricity, renewable energies, hydrogen development, and the national seawater desalination initiative, as well as Algeria’s experience in public-private partnerships.
Additionally, while discussing plans aimed at reinforcing and diversifying economic growth, the Secretary General highlighted the sector’s crucial role in fulfilling national energy demands (electricity, gas, and petroleum products) and ensuring long-term energy stability through projects designed to enhance production capacities and develop hydrocarbon processing industries. These initiatives include petrochemical development, improving recovery rates, reducing emissions, and capturing carbon as part of efforts to minimize the carbon footprint within the oil and gas industry.
For his part, Ndiaye expressed satisfaction with the meeting, stating that it provided valuable insights into the development prospects of Algeria’s energy and mining sector, particularly regarding the diversification of energy sources and various development programs. He noted Algeria’s impressive electricity coverage rate of 99% and gas coverage rate of 70%, commending the positive outcomes achieved by the country in multiple areas.
Furthermore, he conveyed the World Bank’s eagerness to intensify cooperation and exchanges with Algeria, particularly in the realms of renewable energy development and electrical interconnection, as stated in the communiqué.
