Algiers, Algeria June 27, 2025: H.E Lerato D. Mataboge, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy of the African Union Commission (AUC), concluded a high level four-days official visit to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria from June 23–26, 2025. The visit reinforced Algeria’s strategic role in Africa’s energy future and explored opportunities for deeper bilateral and continental collaboration on key energy priorities including infrastructure development, energy access, capacity building, and clean energy transition.
The mission, held on the margins of the 12th Sonatrach Scientific and Technical Days (JST12), began with a high-level address by Commissioner Mataboge at the JST12 opening session in Oran. She highlighted Africa’s pressing energy challenges and the African Union’s strategic initiatives including the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM), and the African Clean Cooking Programme (AfCCP), among others.
During her visit, Commissioner Mataboge engaged with key energy stakeholders, strategically designed to advance the AU’s Agenda 2063 goals related to energy security, integration, and sustainable development. These engagements included:
Meeting with Mr. Mourad Adjal, CEO of SONELGAZ: Discussions focused on Algeria’s experience in electricity generation and natural gas distribution, particularly its relevance to the AU’s flagship energy programmes such as the African Clean Cooking Programme (AfCCP), African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM), Continental Master Plan (CMP) and regional power interconnection initiatives. SONELGAZ’s infrastructure and training capacity were identified as key assets for continental cooperation in engineering, technical skills development, and knowledge exchange.
Visit to the SONELGAZ Dispatching Facility (S-TOGS): The site visit served as a valuable knowledge-sharing platform to assess Algeria’s operational capabilities in real-time energy dispatch, systems integration, and transport operations to inform future collaboration on power systems and grid reliability across African regions.
Meeting with Mr. Mohamed Arkab, Minister of State for Energy, Mines and Renewable Energies: The dialogue centred on Algeria’s strategic contribution to the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM), energy transition policies, and the role of natural gas as a transitional fuel in Africa’s energy mix. Minister Arkab expressed Algeria’s full commitment to supporting AU energy priorities and leveraging national expertise to support regional development.
A key highlight of the meeting was the official inauguration of the new African Energy Commission (AFREC) headquarters in Algiers. The event, attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Energy, marked a milestone in reinforcing the institutional capacity of Africa’s leading energy body. Commissioner Mataboge praised Algeria’s leadership, noting: "Algeria continues to be a cornerstone of Africa’s energy future—not only through its vast resources and infrastructure, but also through its enduring commitment to African unity and progress."
The Commissioner held several other technical and strategic discussions with various senior officials to align on shared goals around cross-border infrastructure, renewable energy integration, data harmonization, and just transition strategies. Commissioner Mataboge emphasised AFREC’s expanded mandate in energy statistics, policy advisory, and strategic planning for the continent. “Algeria is not only a host to one of our most critical energy institutions, but also a key partner in driving forward continental priorities—from clean cooking to cross-border power infrastructure,” she stated.
The visit concluded with the Commissioner affirming the AU’s commitment to enhanced collaboration as part of the collective effort to build a secure, sustainable, and inclusive energy future for all Africans.
For Editors: The African Energy Commission (AFREC) is a specialized agency of the African Union responsible for coordinating and harmonizing energy policy development and implementation across the continent. AFREC’s mission is to promote sustainable energy development through capacity building, data systems, and strategic partnerships.
For more information, please contact:
Executive Director | African Energy Commission (AFREC) | African Union |
email: afrec@africaunion.org | Tel: +213 23 45 9198 | https://www.au-afrec.org | Algiers | Algeria | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn
George Sichinga | Communication Officer | African Energy Commission (AFREC) | African Union | Email: Sichingag@africanunion.org | Tel: +213 23 45 9198 | https://www.au-afrec.org | Algiers | Algeria | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn