Algerian Radio
The Executive Director of the African Energy Commission (AFREC), M. Rashid Ali Abdallah, highlighted Algeria’s ability to contribute to Africa’s energy security, citing its extensive hydrocarbons expertise, its ambitious renewable-energy programmes, and its strategic location.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by the Head of the Energy Information Systems and Statistics Division at AFREC, M. Samson Nogbodohoui, during an iftar dinner hosted on Saturday evening in Algiers by the Arab-African Center for Investment and Development under the theme “Energy and Water for Building Development,” the official said that “Algeria occupies a strategic position in Africa’s energy architecture.” He added that, “thanks to its hydrocarbons expertise, its growing ambitions in renewable energy, and its geographic location linking Africa, Europe and the Mediterranean, Algeria is well placed to contribute to continental energy security and to strengthen integration.”
After referring to Algeria’s experience in the energy sector, which has enabled the country to achieve significant coverage rates, particularly in electricity, M. Rashid Ali Abdallah stressed the importance and broader implications of the nationalisation of hydrocarbons on 24 February 1971, describing it as “not only a decision about oil and gas, but a decision about sovereignty, national decision-making, and transforming natural resources into tools for national development.”
He added that Algeria thereby “proved that political courage and strategic vision are essential elements for achieving economic independence,” noting that “today, amid a rapidly changing global energy landscape marked by geopolitical tensions, accelerating energy transition, climate requirements and technological development, energy sovereignty remains a central issue for Africa.”
Speaking to the press, M. Samson Nogbodohoui said that “the African continent is in urgent need of optimal and rational exploitation of its available resources (oil, gas, renewables, etc.) in order to reach adequate coverage levels for its peoples,” calling for “the need to coordinate efforts and to draw on the experiences of African countries that have made tangible progress in this area, such as Algeria.”
For his part, the President of the Arab-African Center for Investment and Development, M. Mohamed Amine Boutalbi, announced that the 12th Africa Investment and Trade Conference will be held on 9 and 10 May 2026 in Algiers under the slogan “Together, We Open Markets,” with the participation of more than 43 countries.
M. Mohamed Amine Boutalbi noted that around 380 economic operators from abroad had registered on the dedicated platform as of Saturday, with the total expected to reach 1,500. He added that the value of signed agreements is projected to range between USD 1.4 billion and USD 1.8 billion.
He said this edition will cover all sectors, with a particular focus on energy in view of Algeria’s significant potential, which positions it to play a pivotal role on the continent in this field.
The meeting will serve as “a space of trust and joint reflection to promote investment, achieve development, strengthen cooperation and build a stronger, more stable future for the countries of the continent,” stressing that “Africa with its potential, resources and promising opportunities can become a true model for sustainable development if it makes good use of its energies and integration.”
The iftar dinner was attended by representatives of several ministerial departments and institutions, members of Parliament in both chambers, experts and specialists, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Algeria.
