• Algeria is sending experts to review the site for a planned 40 MW power plant in Niger.

• The project will be built and fully financed by Algeria as a donation.

• Niger’s electricity access rate stands near 20%, with over 70% of power imported.

Algeria is preparing a technical review of the site selected for a planned power plant in Niger. According to the Algerian Press Service (APS), a team of experts from the state-owned utility Sonelgaz will travel to Niamey for that purpose.

The decision was made during a videoconference meeting between officials from Sonelgaz and Niger’s electricity company, Nigelec. The meeting forms part of renewed cooperation between the two public utilities in the power sector. According to APS, both sides agreed to accelerate the implementation of existing agreements and strengthen technical collaboration.

In late January 2025, Sonelgaz formalized plans to build a 40-megawatt power plant in Niger. The announcement was made in Niamey following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Sonelgaz and Nigelec.

As previously reported, the infrastructure will be built by Sonelgaz and fully financed by Algeria. The project was presented as a donation from Algeria to Niger. No execution timetable or detailed cost has been disclosed so far.

The memorandum also provides for broader technical support. It includes assistance to Nigelec in developing electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure, as well as training programs for Nigerien executives and technicians, including in renewable energy.

The project comes at a time when Niger’s domestic generation capacity remains limited. According to the African Development Bank, electricity access stood at about 20% in 2022, with installed capacity estimated at around 317 megawatts in 2023.

More than 70% of electricity consumed in Niger is imported, mainly from Nigeria, the bank said. Under its development plan, Niger aims to raise electricity coverage to 80% by 2035.

Abdel-Latif Boureima