Algeria Revives Energy Sector with Major Bidding Round, Attracts Global Oil Giants

On June 17, 2025, Algeria officially launched the Algeria Bid Round 2024, marking its first oil and gas bidding round since 2014. Organized by ALNAFT and overseen by Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab, the initiative aims to revitalize the hydrocarbon sector, attract foreign investment, and boost national production through a transparent legal framework.

Six strategic hydrocarbon blocks were offered in this round, drawing seven bids and resulting in five license awards to major international consortia:

• Ahara (Illizi Basin): Awarded to the TotalEnergies–QatarEnergy consortium.

• Reggane II (Reggane Basin): Granted to ENI (Italy) and PTTEP (Thailand).

• Zarafah II (Ahnet-Gourara Basin): Awarded to ZPEC (China).

• Toual II (Berkine Basin): Secured by Zangas and Filada.

• Karn El Kessa II (Gourara-Timimoun Basin): Allocated to Sinopec (China).

  
  

These areas are rich in oil and gas potential and form part of Algeria’s strategy to strengthen energy independence and global partnerships.

Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab highlighted that this successful bid round reflects renewed investor confidence, crediting reforms such as Law 19-13 on hydrocarbons and Law 22-18 on investment for creating a more secure and competitive investment climate.

The awarded projects will focus on increasing exploration output, advancing technological capabilities, and maximizing Algeria's resource potential. This is part of a broader five-year development plan that will see 17 hydrocarbon projects launched via international tenders.

Algeria’s energy sector is regaining momentum with strong international participation and structural reforms. The successful launch of Algeria Bid Round 2024 signals a new chapter in the country’s drive to modernize its oil and gas industry and strengthen its role in the global energy market.