As part of the implementation of the directives of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, aimed at exploring ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Algeria and Burkina Faso, particularly in the fields of energy, mining, and hydrocarbons, the Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mr. Mohamed Arkab, and the Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, Dr. Mourad Adjal, paid a working visit to Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, on February 12, 2026.
Upon their arrival at Ouagadougou International Airport, they were welcomed by the Minister of State, Minister of Local Administration and Mobility, Mr. Emile Zerbo, and the Minister of Energy, Mines and Quarries, Mr. Yacouba Zabré Gouba, in addition to members of the Algerian diplomatic corps accredited in Ouagadougou.
During the visit, the ministers and the accompanying delegation held a number of bilateral meetings with several members of the Burkinabe government, as well as officials from various Burkinabe companies. On Friday, February 13, Mr. Mohamed Arkab and Dr. Mourad Adjal held a working session in Ouagadougou with a high-level delegation chaired by the Burkinabe Minister of Energy, Mines and Quarries, in the presence of members of the Algerian diplomatic corps accredited in Ouagadougou.
In the field of electricity and renewable energies, both sides reviewed opportunities to strengthen cooperation between Sonelgaz Group and the National Electricity Company of Burkina Faso (SONABEL), particularly in increasing generation capacity, developing transmission and distribution networks, supporting major structural projects, maintenance operations, and the supply of electrical equipment, as well as supporting rural electrification programs and renewable energy projects.
The Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies reaffirmed Algeria’s readiness to support the Burkinabe side across the entire electricity value chain, relying on the technical and engineering expertise possessed by Sonelgaz.
In addition, the Chief of Staff of the Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies and the Director of Production and Engineering Activities at Sonelgaz Group held a coordination meeting, in the presence of members of the accredited diplomatic corps in Ouagadougou, to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in the field of electricity and renewable energies.
In this context, the Algerian side reiterated its readiness to support Burkina Faso across the full electricity value chain, particularly in:
- Developing electricity generation capacities;
- Implementing and monitoring electricity transmission and distribution projects;
- Modernizing and expanding electrical networks and improving their performance;
- Maintaining production facilities and transmission and distribution networks;
- Supplying electrical equipment and materials.
Both parties also emphasized the importance of exchanging expertise in planning and managing power systems, and of adopting modern technical solutions, including the implementation of mini-grids to support local electrification and improve services in remote areas, in addition to strengthening rural electrification programs.
This approach reflects the shared political will of Algeria and Burkina Faso to build an effective energy partnership based on the exchange of expertise and technical complementarity, supporting economic and social development in both countries.
At the conclusion of the visit, Mr. Mohamed Arkab, Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Dr. Mourad Adjal, Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, and their Burkinabe counterpart, the Minister of Energy, Mines and Quarries, oversaw the signing of minutes of discussions reflecting the positive outcomes of the bilateral talks held between the two sides.
This document enshrines the shared commitment of both countries to elevate their cooperation to a strategic partnership in the fields of hydrocarbons, energy, and mining, in line with the directives of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, aimed at strengthening African cooperation and promoting the principle of South–South partnership.
The two sides agreed to establish joint follow-up mechanisms through the creation of sectoral working groups to ensure the effective implementation of the agreed commitments.
The signing of these minutes marks a new step in consolidating the bonds of brotherhood and cooperation between Algeria and Burkina Faso, translating their shared political will into a concrete and mutually beneficial African partnership grounded in economic complementarity.