Algerian Radio
Samir Bakhti, President of the Management Committee of the National Agency for the Valorization of Hydrocarbon Resources (Alnaft), detailed on Monday the "Algeria Bid Round 2026" during his appearance on the program "L’invité du jour" on Algerian Radio’s Channel 3. He stated that this new edition covers seven oil perimeters considered among the most attractive in the national mining domain, featuring significant hydrocarbon volumes and a modernized framework focused on transparency and digitalization.
"The call for competition is Alnaft offering the global and national oil and gas industry opportunities to invest," stated Mr. Bakhti, recalling that "a first experience had already been conducted in 2024." For 2026, the process has been structured around a rigorous selection resulting from a "Nomination Process" launched in late 2025, during which 24 projects were presented to the international industry.
Seventy Companies Consulted the Tender
According to him, "the number of companies that consulted reached 70," which allowed for significant market feedback. Based on this feedback and national strategic priorities, seven perimeters were selected, including El Menzel, Ahara, Reggane II, Touggourt Sud, Berkine Est, Gourara, and Illizi Ouest. These blocks cover various geological zones and present diverse profiles, ranging from pure exploration to the optimization of existing fields.
Cumulative Resources of 8.63 Billion Cubic Meters of Gas, 239 Million Barrels, and 19 Billion Cubic Meters of Gas
In terms of potential, the figures presented are significant. "For all perimeters combined, we have approximately 1.8 billion barrels of resources," Mr. Bakhti specified. To this are added "8.63 billion cubic meters of gas in resources," as well as "239 million barrels and 19 billion cubic meters of gas in already discovered reserves." These volumes, according to him, "form the basis of the offers proposed to investors to develop their exploration and development programs."
The selection process relies primarily on technical commitments. "The evaluation of offers will be based on the number of wells, seismic survey areas, and proposed studies," he explained. The objective is to guarantee concrete and measurable investments while fostering sustainable partnerships. "We aim for solid, long-term partnerships," the official insisted, noting that investors must also undergo a technical and financial pre-qualification phase.
This requirement aims to ensure that partners possess the necessary capacities to operate in a highly capital-intensive sector. "It is essential to ensure that this partner operates according to industry standards and has the capacity to raise the necessary funds," he added.
Diversifying Foreign Partnership Presence in Algeria
One of the stated objectives is also the diversification of partners. "We would like to diversify the presence of foreign partnerships in Algeria," indicated Mr. Bakhti, recalling that companies from Latin America, Asia, Europe, and Africa had already manifested interest during the previous call. The framework remains open to both international players and the Algerian private sector.
Six Perimeters Awarded Under Production-Sharing Contracts and One Under Participation
On the contractual level, the majority of the proposed perimeters—six out of seven—will be awarded in the form of production-sharing contracts, while one perimeter will be exploited under a participation agreement. "It must be a win-win," Mr. Bakhti emphasized, stressing "the necessity of an economic balance to ensure the viability of projects."
Process Closure Scheduled for November 26, 2026
The calendar for Bid Round 2026 has been clearly defined. Officially launched on April 19, 2026, the process includes a registration and pre-qualification phase until June 1, 2026. From that date, companies will have access to the "data package," which includes all geological and geophysical data necessary for evaluation. "The process is scheduled to close on November 26, 2026, with a public session for opening and awarding bids," according to Mr. Bakhti.
One of the major highlights of this edition lies in its complete digitalization. "Everything has been digitalized," Mr. Bakhti affirmed, specifying that "registration is done via an online platform, and data room sessions will take place in virtual mode, allowing investors to access data without traveling."
Finally, Bakhti clarified that "this initiative is part of a long-term strategy and not based on short-term logic." "We began preparing this cycle in August 2025," he recalled, rejecting any direct link to current geopolitical or energy fluctuations.
With resources estimated at nearly 2 billion barrels of oil equivalent and a modernized framework, Algeria Bid Round 2026 aims to strengthen the attractiveness of the Algerian mining domain and mobilize structural international investments.
