Algerian Radio
The Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons, Mr. Mohamed Arkab, received on Tuesday a delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), led by the Fund's mission chief in Algeria, Mr. Charalambos Tsangarides. This meeting took place within the framework of the periodic consultations conducted by the institution with Algeria under Article IV of its Articles of Agreement, according to a ministry statement.
During this meeting, held at the ministry's headquarters in the presence of the President of the National Agency for the Valorization of Hydrocarbon Resources (ALNAFT), Mr. Samir Bekhti, as well as executives from the ministry and the Bank of Algeria, Mr. Arkab gave a detailed presentation on the current state and development prospects of the hydrocarbons sector in Algeria, alongside the structural and organizational reforms undertaken in this field.
The Minister of State explained that these reforms aim to enhance investment attractiveness, promote international partnerships, and valorize national oil and gas resources. This, in turn, contributes to supporting economic growth and strengthening national energy security, the same source added.
In this context, Mr. Arkab presented the main indicators relating to the evolution of exploration and production activities, oil and gas field development programs, and the efforts made to increase production, processing, and refining capacities. He also highlighted efforts to strengthen high-value-added oil and gas industries to meet national demand while maintaining Algeria's position as a reliable energy supplier at regional and international levels.
The Minister of State also discussed the progress made in implementing the national and international investment program in the hydrocarbons sector, particularly through projects carried out by the Sonatrach group in partnership with major international companies. In this regard, he emphasized the importance of the "Algeria Bid Round 2026" international call for tenders as a strategic step to enhance the attractiveness of the hydrocarbon mining domain and draw in further investments and modern technologies.
Regarding the energy transition and sustainable development, Mr. Arkab highlighted the efforts deployed by Algeria—through the Sonatrach group and its partners—to reduce the oil and gas industry's carbon footprint. This is being achieved by implementing advanced programs to limit methane emissions, reduce gas flaring, and develop carbon capture, storage, and utilization projects. Additionally, the adoption of low-emission technologies aligns with international environmental commitments and aims to bolster the competitiveness of the national energy industry.
The discussions also addressed Sonatrach's implemented projects regarding environmental protection and energy efficiency improvements. Furthermore, they covered low-carbon hydrogen and renewable energy development programs tied to oil and gas activities, which contribute to building a more sustainable energy model.
In addition, Mr. Arkab reviewed the seawater desalination program, one of the country's major strategic projects. He specifically highlighted the construction and operation of desalination plants in various wilayas across the country, aimed at strengthening water security and guaranteeing water supply for citizens and economic sectors.
The two parties also examined prospects for strengthening technical cooperation and the exchange of expertise in fields related to the oil and gas industry, the development of advanced technologies, digitization, innovation, and the local integration of hydrocarbon-related industries and services. They also discussed support for training and human resources development.
For his part, the IMF mission chief welcomed the presentation given by the Minister of State. He "praised the efforts made by Algeria to develop the hydrocarbons sector and strengthen its investment attractiveness, as well as the projects aiming to reconcile economic development requirements with environmental commitments," according to the same source.
The official also reaffirmed "the IMF's interest in following these reforms and supporting efforts aimed at maintaining economic stability and promoting sustainable development."
