Algeria’s Minister of State and Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, met with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, in Algiers to discuss expanding partnerships in the oil and gas sector. Following the state visit of President Cyril Ramaphosa in December 2024, the talks covered the entire energy value chain, including exploration, production, refining, and petrochemicals. Algeria has invited South African firms to engage in its 2026 energy bid round. Both nations aim to bolster cooperation between Sonatrach and the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC), while enhancing technical exchanges and human capital development through the Algerian Petroleum Institute, as part of a broader commitment to South-South cooperation.