Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire Sign Oil and Gas Cooperation Deal

Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire have signed an agreement to cooperate across the full oil and gas value chain, marking a step toward deeper energy collaboration between both countries.

The agreement was signed on Saturday, 28 March, in Algiers, setting out a framework for joint activities in exploration, production, processing, and commercialisation, according to the Algerian Press Service (APS).

Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, and Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, led the signing. Both officials outlined plans to strengthen collaboration between public institutions and private operators in their respective energy sectors.

“This partnership opens the door to stronger technical cooperation and shared expertise across the energy industry,” Arkab said during the signing ceremony.

The agreement also covers training programmes, technology transfer, and technical assistance, with cooperation extending beyond hydrocarbons into mining.

For Côte d’Ivoire, the partnership provides access to Algeria’s long-standing experience in oil and gas development. The country has accelerated exploration and production activities since 2021 following major offshore discoveries at the Baleine and Calao fields by Italy’s Eni. These deepwater reserves are estimated to hold more than 2.5 billion barrels of crude oil, alongside significant natural gas deposits.

National output is projected to rise sharply in the coming years, supported by ongoing investments and new partnerships.

Algeria continues to expand its energy footprint across Africa. In February 2026, it signed a similar cooperation agreement with Burkina Faso, covering hydrocarbons, mining, training, and fuel supply.

The country is also scaling its international ambitions through Sonelgaz International, a subsidiary of the state-owned utility Sonelgaz, focused on expanding operations and partnerships across multiple markets.