The thawing of diplomatic relations between Niger and Algeria, formalized during General Abdourahamane Tiani’s visit to Algiers on February 15 and 16, 2026, has revived the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) mega-project. This pipeline, spanning over 4,000 km and linking Nigeria to the Algerian coast via Niger, transports up to 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually to Europe, representing an estimated investment of $13 billion.

End of the Diplomatic Crisis and Resumption of Work

The official visit of the head of the Nigerien junta to Algiers marks the end of a period of tension that began in April 2025, following a border drone incident involving Algeria and Mali. At the joint press conference, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced that the state-owned company Sonatrach would undertake the construction of the Nigerien section, with work scheduled to begin just after Ramadan (April 2026).

This restart is part of a geopolitical pragmatism, where energy priorities take precedence over past disputes, allowing Niger to reposition itself as a regional hub. Discussions also focused on cooperation in security, electricity, and mining, broadening the scope of reconciliation.

A project of strategic importance for Africa

The Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) spans 4,128 km: 1,037 km in Nigeria, 841 km in Niger, and 2,310 km in Algeria. Conceptually launched in 2009, the project aims to transport gas from the Niger Delta to Algerian terminals on the Mediterranean, for export to Europe via the Transmed pipeline (to Italy) or as LNG.

For Niger, this mega-project represents an economic windfall: substantial transit fees, job creation, technology transfers through Sonatrach, and the development of its own gas resources. Algeria, for its part, consolidates its status as a gas hub, diversifying its supplies and strengthening its exports to Europe, which is seeking alternatives to Russian gas.

Key milestones and accelerated timeline

Here are the main milestones of the TSGP project, relaunched in 2026:

• Origin: Initial Nigeria-Algeria-Niger agreement in 2009, technical studies launched in 2019.
• Recent developments: Agreements signed in early 2025, before the diplomatic crisis. Current revival: Sonatrach’s commitment to the Nigerien section after Ramadan 2026.
• Target capacity: 20 to 30 billion m³/year, with expansion potential.
• Estimated completion: 3 to 5 years, according to experts, for a revised cost of USD 13 billion.

This ambitious timeline relies on Algeria’s experience in gas infrastructure and the political will of the three countries involved.

Major economic and geopolitical stakes

Beyond the energy aspect, the TSGP diversifies European supply routes, in the context of the Ukrainian crisis and the low-carbon transition. Nigeria, with its massive reserves in the Niger Delta, benefits from a stable outlet to Europe, while Algeria optimizes its existing networks (Transmed, Medgaz).

For the Sahel, the project boosts the local economies it crosses, promotes regional integration, and could alleviate security tensions by generating stable revenue. However, it competes with the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline (via the West African Atlantic), fueling a simmering Algerian-Moroccan rivalry.

Security and technical challenges to overcome

Despite the diplomatic momentum, the TSGP faces persistent obstacles:

• Security: Crossing unstable areas (Nigerian delta, Sahel) threatened by armed groups and terrorism.
• Financing: USD 13 billion to be raised, with likely participation from Algeria and European/international investors.
• Environment: Impact on Saharan ecosystems and compliance with ESG standards for export markets.
• Competition: Rivalry with the Nigeria-Morocco project, which is longer (6,000 km) but supported by Rabat.

Sonatrach, leveraging its expertise, will have to coordinate these challenges to meet the deadlines.

Prospects for Niger and the Region

This thaw positions Niger as a key player in the African energy sector, at the crossroads of Nigeria and Algeria. In the long term, the TSGP could catalyze other interconnected projects, such as the export of Nigerien gas or integration into the West African energy market.

If the work progresses as planned, this gas pipeline would symbolize a pragmatic reconciliation and an opportunity for shared development, strengthening the energy resilience of Europe and the African continent in the face of geopolitical shocks.