Ahmed Hidouci: ‘Algeria’s Commitment to the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline Enhances Regional Economic Development and Energy Security’

In remarks made during the “Guest of the Morning” program on Algeria’s First Radio Channel, Hidouci noted that Algeria attaches great importance to the realization of this strategic project as it enhances its economic position among African countries. He highlighted that in recent years, Algeria has been diligently working to complete this initiative, which was launched in 2002. Today, Algeria possesses the necessary infrastructure to connect with the concerned countries, namely Nigeria and Niger, and has continually intensified efforts to strengthen ties with African nations through various projects, including the Trans-Saharan Road, optical fiber networks, and electricity interconnection projects.

Hidouci stated, “Undoubtedly, these projects are monumental, reflecting Algeria’s commitment to enhancing connections and exchanges with African countries, while strengthening its presence in line with a well-known approach that links political and security stability in neighboring countries and the continent at large with comprehensive economic development.”

Regarding the upcoming trilateral meeting of the countries involved in the gas pipeline project, Hidouci described it as a highly significant coordinating meeting that will assess the progress made in project execution across the three nations and establish the necessary arrangements to expedite its completion according to the set timelines.

He believes that the trilateral meeting signifies the commitment of the three countries to advance this vital project, particularly as Algeria is fully prepared in terms of infrastructure. Additionally, notable progress has been achieved by Nigeria, which has invested over $8.2 billion and nearly completed the connections from the gas fields in the southern region, specifically from the Jakuta area to the capital Abidjan and then to the Kano region adjacent to Niger. This progress coincides with Chinese companies recently delivering various components of the project.

Given this context, Hidouci anticipates that the upcoming meeting will focus on strategies to expedite the section of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline that extends through Niger, covering a distance of 800 kilometers. This will involve exploring ways to mobilize the necessary financial resources for funding, especially in light of the financial difficulties currently facing Niger due to its recent political and security challenges.