BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- On the instructions of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tenboune, the Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, is making a three-day working visit to Uganda starting today, Wednesday.
The Minister will be accompanied by a large delegation from the sector, including the CEOs of the Sonatrach, Toufik Hakkar, and Sonelgaz, Mourad Adjal Groups, as well as officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
A press release from the ministry specified that “this visit is part of the implementation of the decisions taken by Presidents Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Yoweri Museveni during the latter’ state visit to Algeria on March 11, 2023”.
The same source added that “this visit is also part of the strengthening of cooperation between Algeria and Uganda in the fields of energy and mining, as well as in various areas of common interest.”
During his stay, Mohamed Arkab will hold working sessions with his Ugandan counterpart and meetings with other Ugandan officials. At the start of this visit, the Minister of Energy and Mines met with the Ambassador of the Republic of Uganda to Algeria, Chrysostom Alintuma Nsambu.
The meeting focused on the strengthening of bilateral energy cooperation relations and opportunities for investment and exchange of experience, particularly in the exploration, production, and transport of hydrocarbons, refining, and petroleum products, as well as the production, transport, and distribution of electricity and training. An opportunity for Mohamed Arkab to recall Algeria’s desire to “densify trade with African countries, particularly within the framework of the development strategy of the Sonatrach and Sonelgaz Groups, which aims to open them up to the African market”, noted the document.
The minister also affirmed “the availability of Algeria to accompany Uganda through the transfer of its know-how and its experience in these fields,” as indicated by the ministry. Noting that during President Yoweri Museveni’s visit to Algeria, a memorandum of understanding between the Sonatrach Group and the Ugandan National Petroleum Company was signed covering several areas of cooperation related to exploration & production, marketing, processing, and downstream activities.
The document pointed out that it also includes aspects related to oil and gas services as well as provisions relating to the development of training and the exchange of expertise.
Algeria and Uganda share a longstanding history of bilateral relations. Both countries have worked together in various regional and international frameworks, including the African Union. Algeria has been a key player in providing developmental assistance to Uganda in areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, and education. For instance, the Algerian government helped Uganda to construct the Nile Bridge, which connects the capital Kampala to other parts of the country, and also provided financial support to enhance the Ugandan agricultural sector.
Moreover, Algeria and Uganda have collaborated on security and counter-terrorism initiatives. Given their proximity to volatile regions, their partnership in security efforts is crucial to enhancing peace and stability in the region.
Overall, Algeria and Uganda’s bilateral relationship is significant in promoting socio-economic development, peace and security, and regional integration. It is imperative that the two countries continue to strengthen their ties, particularly in the wake of emerging challenges. By enhancing cooperation in these areas, Algeria and Uganda can build on their already robust partnership, deepen their mutual interests, and promote sustainable development and growth.
