Algerian and Congolese Oil Giants Sign MOU for Collaborative Exploration, Training, and Expertise Exchange
BY: Hana Saada
Algiers, July 16, 2023 – In a significant move aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector, Sonatrach, Algeria’s leading oil and gas company, has inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the National Petroleum Company of Congo (SNPC), the Congolese state-owned oil company. This momentous agreement, signed today in Algiers, sets the stage for multifaceted collaboration, encompassing hydrocarbon exploration, personnel training, and the exchange of expertise.
Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Toufik Hakkar, CEO of Sonatrach, and Mr. Maixent Raoul Ominga, CEO of SNPC, the two entities engaged in extensive discussions to explore promising avenues of cooperation. The MOU serves as a foundational framework for fostering enduring collaboration across various domains, including the comprehensive lifecycle of hydrocarbon operations—from exploration to marketing. It encompasses vital aspects such as development, transportation, processing, distribution, and the supply of petroleum products.
One of the key highlights of this partnership is the mutual exchange of expertise and experience, which will enable both Sonatrach and SNPC to leverage each other’s strengths and enhance their professional skills. Furthermore, the MOU emphasizes the importance of training SNPC personnel, promoting knowledge transfer, and nurturing the growth of human capital within the Congolese oil industry.
In line with the agreement, the Congolese delegation, led by Mr. Maixent Raoul Ominga, will embark on a comprehensive tour of Algeria’s energy infrastructure. This includes visits to prominent Sonatrach facilities, such as the Hassi Messaoud oil field, the Hassi R’mel gas field, the Arzew Industrial Zone, and the Algiers Refinery. Additionally, the delegation will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the acclaimed training institutions of IAP in Boumerdes and Sonatrach Management Academy (SMA) in Oran.
The signing of this MOU signifies a significant milestone in the collaboration between Sonatrach and SNPC, paving the way for a strengthened partnership in the hydrocarbon sector. It highlights the shared commitment of both companies to harnessing their respective strengths and expertise for mutual growth, as well as the advancement of the energy industry in Algeria and Congo. This strategic alliance promises to unlock new opportunities, drive innovation, and contribute to the sustainable development of the hydrocarbon sector in both nations.
