Sonatrach and SMH: an alliance to boost energy development in Algeria and Mauritania.

On Thursday in Algiers, the national hydrocarbons company Sonatrach and the Mauritanian hydrocarbons company SMH signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening their cooperation in the energy sector. This strategic agreement covers a number of areas, including exploration, production, exchange of expertise and training.

The memorandum of understanding provides for the establishment of a steering committee to oversee discussions on opportunities for collaboration. This committee will focus on hydrocarbon exploration and production, but also on downstream activities, transport and marketing of petroleum products.

To make this collaboration a reality, teams of experts from both companies will be set up. Their mission will be to organise workshops and field visits to Mauritania, in order to examine the country's hydrocarbon potential and identify the most promising projects.

The agreement also includes a major training programme, which will be implemented with the participation of experts from the Algerian Petroleum Institute (IAP) and Sonatrach's Management Academy. The aim is to enhance the skills of Mauritanian professionals in the oil and gas sector, by offering them high-level technical and strategic training.

According to the book "Les nouveaux enjeux pétroliers en Afrique" by Professors Jean-Pierre Favennec and Philippe Copinschi, the African continent is playing an increasingly significant role in the global oil industry. African oil reserves are estimated at 77 billion barrels, divided mainly between North Africa (42 billion) and West Africa (34 billion).

The partnership between Sonatrach and SMH is part of this dynamic, aimed at optimising the exploitation of African resources and promoting South-South cooperation that will benefit both countries. The agreement reflects the shared desire of Algeria and Mauritania to strengthen their energy sovereignty while promoting the development of their respective hydrocarbon industries.