Algeria has opened seven hydrocarbon exploration and development blocks to international investors under its Algeria Bid Round 2026. The country has also invited Azerbaijani oil and gas companies to take part in the tender as it seeks to attract investment and increase upstream activity.
Algeria’s Minister of State and Minister of Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, discussed the invitation with Azerbaijan’s Energy Minister, Parviz Shahbazov, during the 28th Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Moscow, according to Algeria’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons.
The two officials also discussed investment opportunities between Algeria’s state-owned energy company, Sonatrach, and the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR). They explored ways to cooperate across the hydrocarbon value chain, exchange technical knowledge, share technology and improve professional training to strengthen workforce skills and operational efficiency.
The officials also discussed holding the first meeting of a Joint Working Group in Baku in November 2026 under a memorandum of understanding on oil and gas cooperation. They also plan to hold a meeting of the Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation in the first half of 2027.
The discussions also covered developments in global hydrocarbon markets, energy security and risks to market stability. Both countries stressed the importance of continued cooperation through OPEC+ and the GECF to maintain market balance and strengthen dialogue among energy-producing countries.
Algeria Bid Round 2026 is the country’s second tender for hydrocarbon field development. The seven blocks lie mainly in sedimentary basins in eastern and central Algeria, offering companies opportunities to explore and develop the country’s oil and gas resources.
Six blocks are available under production-sharing agreements, while the seventh will operate under a participation agreement. The tender could help Azerbaijani energy companies expand their international operations and establish partnerships in North Africa.
Algeria aims to attract foreign investment and technical expertise to develop its hydrocarbon resources and strengthen cooperation with international energy companies.
source: pumps-africa.com
African Energy Council