Algeria to Bolster Côte d'Ivoire's Energy Sector Through Enhanced Cooperation
Image: AL24 News
Takeaway
Algeria's commitment to meeting Côte d'Ivoire's energy needs signals a strategic move to expand its energy influence in West Africa. International energy companies should monitor potential joint ventures and supply contracts that may arise from this strengthened partnership, particularly in LNG and refined petroleum products. The focus on skills transfer and technical support could also create opportunities for specialized training firms and technology providers.
Algeria has pledged to support Côte d'Ivoire in meeting its energy needs, as discussed during a video conference on Thursday, May 21, 2026, between Algerian Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, Mourad Adjal, and Ivorian Minister of Mines, Petroleum, and Energy, Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly. The meeting focused on key areas and strategic priorities for Algerian-Ivorian cooperation in the energy sector, following a series of discussions and technical field visits by the Ivorian minister to Algeria. This collaboration aligns with the directives of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to strengthen partnerships with African nations.
Côte d'Ivoire's energy sector has undergone significant changes over the past five years, with the government aiming to increase installed energy capacity from approximately 3,000 MW in 2025 to 5,000 MW by 2030. The country has set ambitious targets for 2030, including 100% household electrification and 42% of the energy mix from renewables, requiring substantial investment. In 2023, biofuels and waste accounted for 68% of domestic energy production, followed by natural gas (17.9%), primary oil (12%), and hydropower (2.1%), according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Côte d'Ivoire's electricity capacity stood at 2,548 MW as of February 2024, with 879 MW from hydroelectric plants and 1,669 MW from thermal power stations. The country's power sector relies on thermal power plants using natural gas as its primary fuel source. National gross electricity consumption was estimated at 11,442 Gigawatt hours (GWh) in 2021, representing a 6.6 percent increase compared to the previous year. The weighted average cost of electricity production was 52.13 CFA ($0.09) per kilowatt-hour in 2021.
This partnership offers Côte d'Ivoire access to Algeria's extensive experience in the energy sector, particularly in exploration, production, and refining. Algeria, a leading gas producer in Africa, can provide technical and logistical support to Côte d'Ivoire, especially in refining and supplying petroleum products. The collaboration aims to support the development of Côte d'Ivoire's energy sector across the entire value chain, from resource exploration and extraction to processing, distribution, and expert training.
The swift implementation of technical memoranda by the end of 2026 will be crucial for tangible economic benefits, such as a stable fuel supply and the creation of skilled jobs. The agreement, a result of consultations initiated in 2024, demonstrates the strength of bilateral relations between the two nations and covers the entire value chain in the mining, petroleum, and energy sectors. The Ivorian delegation is scheduled to visit Sonatrach facilities to examine technical aspects and deepen cooperation, with hopes of reaching implementation agreements for priority projects soon.