Construction of the Algerian section of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) officially begins this Thursday in Adrar, marking a major milestone for one of Africa’s largest energy infrastructure projects. The launch ceremony is being attended by the energy ministers of Algeria, Nigeria, and Niger, along with the heads of their national oil companies.
The massive project, which will transport Nigerian natural gas to Algeria through Niger before reaching regional and international markets, is entering its implementation phase after the approval of the updated feasibility study.
The three ministers responsible for hydrocarbons—Mohamed Arkab of Algeria, Ekperikpe Ekpo of Nigeria, and Hamadou Tini of Niger—arrived in Adrar for the official groundbreaking ceremony. They are accompanied by the chief executives of Sonatrach, NNPC, and Sonidep.
According to a statement from Algeria’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons, the launch follows the conclusions of the fifth ministerial meeting of the project’s steering committee and marks the transition from planning to operational execution.
The ministry described the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline as one of the largest strategic energy projects on the African continent. Officials said the initiative reflects the commitment of Algeria, Nigeria, and Niger to deepen energy cooperation, strengthen regional integration, and support long-term economic development and energy security.
Prior to the launch ceremony, the Nigerian and Nigerien ministers were received in Algiers by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who has closely followed the project. They later joined Minister Mohamed Arkab in the fifth ministerial meeting of the steering committee.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of the final report of the updated feasibility study, a key step that cleared the way for the start of construction. Arkab said the outcome demonstrated the political will of the three countries and their determination to bring the strategic continental project to completion.
In a joint statement, the ministers confirmed that work would begin on the Algerian section, considered the central component of the pipeline. The official launch is taking place at the Aoulef gas field in Adrar Province.
Once completed, the pipeline will transport natural gas from Nigeria across Niger and Algeria, where it will connect to the country’s extensive gas processing, transportation, liquefaction, and export infrastructure. This will provide access to both regional and international markets.
The project is also expected to strengthen Algeria’s domestic gas network by connecting several existing and newly discovered fields, including the Ahnet gas field, to the national system.
Stretching more than 4,000 kilometers, the TSGP is expected to carry between 20 and 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually, making it one of the largest energy infrastructure projects in Africa and among the most ambitious pipeline developments worldwide.
As construction moves forward, the project is expected to enhance regional energy cooperation and reinforce Africa’s role in global natural gas supply chains.
Sami B. is the founder and editor of Algeria News Gate, an independent English-language platform covering Algeria’s political, economic, and business developments. Based in Europe, he reports on official announcements, economic trends, and international relations involving Algeria.