Sonatrach Expands Role in Niger Oil Industry with Bilma Block Review

Algeria's state-owned Sonatrach is expanding its role in Niger's oil industry, moving beyond exploration into field development, drilling, seismic services, petroleum distribution, and crude marketing. The company is expected to review the feasibility study for the Bilma oil block, which could produce more than 20,000 barrels of crude oil per day for about 20 years.

The partnership between Sonatrach and Niger's state oil company, Sonidep, has been growing in recent months. In June, Sonatrach subsidiaries signed three memorandums of understanding with Sonidep covering seismic acquisition and processing, drilling, and petroleum-product distribution.

The expansion of energy cooperation follows a gradual restoration of dialogue between Algiers and Niamey after Niger's 2023 political crisis. Energy projects provide a practical area for renewed economic engagement, particularly as both countries seek stronger regional trade and infrastructure links.