Algeria has opened seven hydrocarbon exploration and development blocks to international investors under its Algeria Bid Round 2026, inviting Azerbaijani oil and gas companies to participate in the country’s latest licensing tender as it seeks to attract investment and expand upstream activity.
The invitation was discussed during a meeting between Azerbaijan’s Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov and Algeria’s Minister of State and Minister of Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, on the sidelines of the 28th Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Moscow, according to Algeria’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons.
The two officials reviewed bilateral cooperation in the oil and gas sector and explored opportunities to strengthen commercial and technical partnerships. Potential areas of collaboration include well services, field development, hydrocarbon transportation, oil refining and petrochemicals.
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Investment opportunities
The discussions also examined investment opportunities involving Algeria’s state-owned energy company Sonatrach and the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), with a focus on cooperation across the hydrocarbon value chain. Both sides highlighted the importance of exchanging technical expertise, sharing technological capabilities and expanding professional training to improve workforce skills, productivity and operational efficiency.
The officials also discussed plans to hold the first meeting of a Joint Working Group in Baku in November 2026 under a memorandum of understanding on oil and gas cooperation. A meeting of the Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation is planned for the first half of 2027.
The talks also covered global hydrocarbon market developments, energy security and potential risks to market stability. Both countries underscored the importance of continued coordination through the OPEC+ framework and the GECF to support market balance and strengthen dialogue among energy-producing nations.
Algeria Bid Round 2026 is the country’s second-ever tender for hydrocarbon field development. The seven blocks are located mainly in sedimentary basins in eastern and central Algeria, providing opportunities for companies interested in exploring and developing the country’s oil and gas resources.
Six blocks are being offered under production-sharing agreements, while the seventh is available through a participation agreement. The tender could provide Azerbaijani energy companies with an opportunity to expand their international operations and establish new partnerships in North Africa. For Algeria, attracting foreign investors and technical expertise forms part of efforts to advance hydrocarbon development and strengthen cooperation with international energy producers.
