CAPE TOWN, South Africa, October 4, 2025 – Algeria is taking bold steps to strengthen its position as a top-tier energy producer through an ambitious Algeria oil and gas exploration strategy focused on frontier basins and unconventional resources.
Senior officials from ALNAFT and Sonatrach announced a renewed push for shale gas, offshore projects, and new licensing opportunities during African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 in Cape Town.
Speaking at the event, Samir Bekhti, President of ALNAFT, outlined Algeria’s upstream priorities for 2025 and beyond.
“Our main focus is to reach the full potential of Algeria’s oil and gas reserves,” he said.
“We’re concentrating on frontier zones to increase production, and we are developing one of the world’s largest unconventional shale gas resources—estimated at over 700 trillion cubic feet of un-risked gas.”
Bekhti highlighted that Algeria has already signed eight hydrocarbon contracts this year under its enhanced legal and fiscal framework, reflecting strong investor confidence.
“We have a robust regulatory environment, and we plan to open new oil and gas exploration blocks in early 2026 to attract additional partners,” he stated.
The ALNAFT president emphasized the nation’s goal of diversifying its energy base through both onshore and offshore exploration.
“The government is committed to exploring Algeria’s offshore potential while maintaining a competitive environment for investors,” Bekhti added.
Algeria Oil and Gas Exploration Driven by Shale and Innovation
Echoing this vision, Ferhat Ounoughi, Executive Vice President for Business Development and Marketing at Sonatrach, described Algeria’s shale gas reserves as its most strategic resource.
“Our best resource is shale gas – the third largest globally – with a large portion considered technically recoverable,” Ounoughi noted.
“Success in unlocking these reserves depends on operational efficiency, technological innovation, and cost optimization.
Since much of the required equipment is imported, boosting local manufacturing capacity will be essential.”
He added that Algeria oil and gas exploration efforts will include advanced enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques and sustainable energy initiatives.
“We are developing new approaches that align with both our national goals and the global transition to cleaner energy sources,” he said.
“Algeria’s role as a reliable supplier to Europe will remain central, but we also aim to expand our presence in green technologies.”
Ounoughi also mentioned that Sonatrach is implementing automation, data-driven analytics, and artificial intelligence to optimize exploration and production performance.
“Digital transformation is the future of energy. It will ensure that our assets remain competitive, safe, and profitable for decades to come,” he added.
Private Sector and Regional Cooperation Strengthen Growth
The panel also featured industry perspectives on how Algeria oil and gas exploration can benefit from global partnerships and technological advancement.
Khaled Saidi, Managing Director – North Africa at SLB (Schlumberger), described Algeria’s offshore resources as “strategically significant” and emphasized that automation and digital monitoring are vital to improving recovery rates.
“Automation reduces human error and enhances efficiency, which is critical for frontier exploration,” he said.
Cedric Soenens, Vice President for Africa at Emerson, reaffirmed the company’s collaboration with Sonatrach.
“We’re proud to support Algeria’s upstream operations by optimizing production systems, reducing operating costs, and ensuring safety. Our partnership demonstrates confidence in Algeria’s long-term energy prospects,” Soenens stated.
The interest from European companies underscores Algeria’s growing importance in regional energy supply.
Massimiliano Mignacca, Managing Director of AMMAT Global Resources, said, “Algeria remains a strategic partner for Italy and for Europe as a whole.
We are preparing proposals to begin operations in-country, recognizing the enormous potential of its oil and gas sector.”
Future Prospects for Algeria’s Energy Sector
Algeria’s forward-looking approach signals a new phase of opportunity for international investors seeking to participate in its upstream expansion.
With vast untapped shale and offshore reserves, government-backed policy reforms, and partnerships with leading technology providers, the nation is positioned to become a leader in both conventional and unconventional exploration.
Bekhti concluded, “Our focus on innovation, transparency, and investor confidence defines Algeria’s future.
The new licensing round will open fresh opportunities, ensuring that Algeria oil and gas exploration continues to be a cornerstone of Africa’s energy transformation.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the African Energy Chamber.
SOURCE: African Energy Chamber
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