Niger to Build Refinery, Expand Petroleum Sector with Algerian Cooperation

Niger is set to build a new refinery and a petrochemical complex with a minimum capacity of 100,000 barrels per day in Dosso. This initiative comes as Niger strengthens its cooperation with Algeria in the oil sector following high-level meetings held in Niamey on Tuesday.

Niger’s Minister of Petroleum, Sahabi Oumarou, chaired two meetings with Algerian delegations to enhance bilateral collaboration in petroleum industry development.

The discussions covered training programs for Nigerien oil professionals and security arrangements for ongoing exploration projects. The first meeting involved experts from the Algerian Petroleum Institute (IAP), who met with 39 employees from the Zinder Refinery Company.

This group is preparing for an advanced training mission in Algeria to improve their knowledge of refinery operations. Additionally, a second group of about 40 engineers and senior technicians will undergo immersive training in Algeria when the Dosso refinery becomes operational.

The second meeting focused on finalising an agreement between Niger’s Ministry of National Defence and Sonatrach International Petroleum Exploration and Production Corporation (SIPEX), the international arm of Algeria’s state oil company.

The agreement, signed on November 8, 2024, aims to secure operations in Niger’s Kafra oil block, ensuring a safe environment for continued exploration and production activities.

Niger has been an oil producer and exporter since 2011. With the recent launch of Phase II of the Agadem oil field and the completion of a significant pipeline, the country’s production has surged from 20,000 to 100,000 barrels per day.

The planned refinery and petrochemical complex in Dosso will further cement Niger’s position as an emerging player in the global oil market.

Authorities say the project will boost domestic refining capacity, reduce dependence on imported refined products, and contribute to economic growth by creating jobs and attracting investment in the energy sector, Malijet reported.

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