Burkina Faso-Algeria: Towards a new dynamic of cooperation in mining and energy
Cooperation between Ouagadougou and Algiers has reached a decisive milestone. The Burkinabe Minister of Energy, Mines and Quarries, Yacouba Zabré Gouba, received a high-level Algerian delegation this Friday, February 13, 2026, led by the Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mohamed Arkab. At the heart of the discussions: the revitalization of a cooperation destined to become a strategic lever for both nations.
The talks, held in Ouagadougou, allowed for an in-depth exploration of the multiple facets of an expanded partnership. Mines, energy, hydrocarbons: no strategic sector was overlooked.
But beyond the scope, it is the substance of the commitments that draws attention. The two parties agreed to work hand in hand on projects as essential as the transparent, efficient and secure management of mining titles, the local processing of subsoil products, their marketing on international markets, and the sharing of geological and mining information.
This meeting was far from a simple diplomatic formality. It led to concrete progress, which both ministers welcomed.
“Globally satisfactory results have allowed us to envision the prospects for collaboration between Burkina Faso and the sister Republic of Algeria,” rejoiced Yacouba Zabré Gouba, praising the quality of the exchanges between the experts of the two countries.
Similar satisfaction was expressed on the Algerian side. “We welcome the results of this meeting between experts from Burkina Faso and Algeria on hydrocarbons, mines and energy. Today, we have succeeded in laying the groundwork for a great cooperation in these areas,” declared Mohamed Arkab, whose presence in Ouagadougou reflects the importance Algiers attaches to this rapprochement.
For Burkina Faso, a Sahelian country seeking energy and mining sovereignty, Algerian expertise constitutes a considerable asset.
Algeria, an African giant in hydrocarbons and a major player in the mining industry, possesses proven know-how in exploration, exploitation and valorization of subsoil resources. Know-how it intends to share with its Burkinabe partner in a spirit of “frank collaboration.”
Beyond statements of intent, this renewed partnership opens up concrete prospects.
The transparent management of mining titles responds to an increasingly pressing demand for good governance.
The local processing of minerals, a long-held ambition of Burkina Faso, could finally find an accelerator thanks to Algerian support.
As for the sharing of geological information, it will allow both countries to better understand and valorize their respective potential.
This meeting illustrates a fundamental trend: African nations now intend to cooperate directly, without systematically going through external intermediaries, to jointly exploit the riches that nature has placed on their soil.
A Pan-African dynamic to which Burkina and Algeria have just added another building block.
Olivier TOE
