Algeria signs hydrocarbons cooperation deal with Democratic Republic of Congo

Algeria has signed a new cooperation agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo targeting joint development across the full hydrocarbons value chain, Attaqa reported on May 30.

The deal was signed by Algerian hydrocarbons minister Mohamed Arkab and DRC state minister for hydrocarbons Acacia Bandubola Ambongo, during an official ceremony in Algiers attended by the DRC's ambassador to Algeria, Sonatrach chief executive Noureddine Daoudji, and the head of the national hydrocarbons agency Alnaft, Samir Bakhti.

The agreement establishes a permanent institutional framework for bilateral cooperation, covering exploration, production, field development, refining, petrochemicals, and the marketing of petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gas. It also encompasses oilfield services, logistics, pipeline infrastructure, geological data management, and industrial safety and environmental standards.

A dedicated human resources programme forms part of the accord, providing for training, skills development, and expert exchanges, with Algeria drawing on its decades-long track record in technology transfer and capacity building from domestic and international hydrocarbon operations.

Both sides also agreed to expand cooperation into digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and research and development, with the aim of improving operational efficiency and strengthening competitiveness across their respective energy sectors. Algeria and the DRC agreed to coordinate efforts within the African Petroleum Producers Organisation and the African Union in support of continental energy security and sustainable development goals.