In a significant diplomatic effort aimed at strengthening relations with African nations, Algerian Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, is embarking on a working visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on March 24 and 25, 2025. This visit serves as a vital follow-up to commitments made by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune during his recent trip to Ethiopia.
The Algerian Ministry of Energy announced that this delegation is more than just a formality; it is aligned with Algeria's broader strategy to bolster cooperation with African countries. The overarching goal is to enhance partnerships in energy, mining, and trade sectors. "This visit is part of Algeria’s efforts to strengthen its cooperation with African countries, realizing the vision of the President aimed at developing strategic partnerships that serve common interests and achieve sustainable development and African integration," the ministry stated.
Leading this ambitious delegation, Arkab is not alone; he is accompanied by key figures in the Algerian energy sector. This includes Rachid Hachichi, the CEO of Sonatrach, Algeria's national oil company, and Mourad Adjal, the CEO of Sonelgaz, which specializes in electricity and gas production. Their collective experience underscores the importance of this mission.
During this two-day visit, Arkab plans to hold a series of bilateral meetings with high-ranking Ethiopian officials. These discussions will encompass various topics, particularly those related to the energy sector. Among the officials he is scheduled to meet are Ethiopia's Minister of Mines and Petroleum, Minister of Water and Energy, and the Minister of Trade and Regional Integration. As the ministry noted, "The minister undertakes bilateral meetings with a number of Ethiopian officials, including the Minister of Mines and Petroleum, the Minister of Water and Energy, and the Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, in order to explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation especially in hydrocarbons, energy, mining, and renewable energies."
Furthermore, Arkab's itinerary includes important meetings with representatives from various Ethiopian companies. This step is designed to explore fresh avenues for economic and investment partnerships between Algeria and Ethiopia. The ministry emphasized that these discussions could lead to new business ventures that benefit both nations economically. "The minister intends to hold meetings with officials from a number of Ethiopian companies to explore new horizons for economic and investment partnerships between the two countries," the ministry's statement read.
This visit illustrates a continuous effort on Algeria's part to ensure that its diplomatic relations reflect actual cooperation and mutual benefit, particularly within the African continent. As the world shifts focus towards sustainable development and renewable energy, Algeria’s strategic moves to enhance its influence across Africa are noteworthy.
In summary, the coming days will not only dictate the trajectory of Algerian-Ethiopian relations but also serve as a litmus test for Algeria's approach to regional cooperation with other African nations. The emphasis on discussing energy and natural resources indicates a strong recognition of their critical roles in promoting economic growth and stability in both countries.
