Côte d’Ivoire and Algeria have signed a strategic cooperation agreement covering hydrocarbons, mining, and energy, reinforcing their South-South partnership in key sectors for African development. This commitment, the result of consultations initiated in 2024, aims to create a robust legal framework for joint projects throughout the value chain.
A Historic Signing in Algiers
The agreement was initialed in Algiers by the Algerian Minister of State for Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, and his Ivorian counterpart, Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, President of APPO. It is part of a working visit that consolidates bilateral discussions launched via videoconference earlier this year.
The two countries intend to develop joint projects from research and exploration to refining, petrochemicals, and the marketing of refined petroleum products. Algeria plans to support Abidjan through the transfer of expertise from Sonatrach and its training centers.
Hydrocarbons: a strong complementarity
Algeria, Africa’s leading gas producer, contributes its expertise in exploration, production, and refining, while Côte d’Ivoire accelerates its offshore discoveries and seeks to secure its supplies of refined products. This agreement opens up prospects for increased trade and joint petrochemical projects.
The cooperation also includes training and technology transfer, enabling Côte d’Ivoire to strengthen its energy sovereignty in the face of growing demand (over 7% per year).
Mining: towards joint development
In the mining sector, the agreement focuses on the exploration, development, and processing of natural resources. The two nations aim to create local added value through processing plants and investment partnerships, applying the African principle of local refining.
Côte d’Ivoire, with its gold, manganese, and bauxite potential, is leveraging Algerian expertise in geology and mining infrastructure to accelerate its 2021-2025 Mining Plan.
Strategic implications for Africa
This partnership exemplifies Algeria’s proactive energy diplomacy in West Africa and positions Côte d’Ivoire as a West African hydrocarbon hub. In the long term, it could inspire triangulation agreements with Nigeria or Ghana, strengthening continental integration of energy sectors.
The swift implementation of these commitments – through technical memoranda by the end of 2026 – will be crucial for tangible economic benefits, such as a stable fuel supply and the creation of skilled jobs.
