The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Algeria’s state-owned oil company, SONATRACH, aimed at strengthening technological innovation, research and development, and regional cooperation within Africa’s energy sector.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, under the auspices of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), reflecting growing efforts by African national oil companies to deepen intra-continental collaboration.
The MoU was formally executed by GNPC’s Director of Commerce and Investments, Dr. Krasi Eyiah Kwesi, and Mr. Mustapha Benamara, representing SONATRACH. The ceremony was witnessed by APPO Secretary General, Farid Ghezali, underscoring the continental significance of the partnership.
Under the agreement, GNPC and SONATRACH will jointly evaluate and develop research and development initiatives across key areas of the petroleum value chain. These include advanced onshore and offshore seismic acquisition technologies such as 4D seismic imaging and real-time reservoir modelling, digital wells and oilfields, enhanced and improved oil recovery techniques, hydrocarbon exploration, and integrity and corrosion management. The partnership also covers oil and gas valorisation and laboratory-based research activities.
Beyond conventional oil and gas operations, the MoU places strong emphasis on collaboration within the low-carbon and energy transition space. Both companies have agreed to pursue joint R&D initiatives in carbon reduction technologies, hydrogen development, water and waste treatment, and other solutions aligned with Africa’s evolving energy transition agenda. The agreement further provides for the assessment of shared quality control standards, technological exchanges, and the harmonisation of methodologies and equipment.
For Ghana, the partnership is expected to deliver significant operational and technical benefits, strengthening GNPC’s operatorship capacity and enhancing its research-driven approach to exploration and production. GNPC’s Research and Technology Centre is expected to play a central role in driving applied research, data analysis, and innovation arising from the collaboration.
The agreement reinforces GNPC’s mandate to pursue sustainable growth and long-term value creation through strategic partnerships with leading national oil companies on the continent. It also aligns with broader African efforts, championed by APPO, to promote knowledge-sharing, technological self-reliance, and integrated development across the energy sector.
Founded in 1963, SONATRACH is Algeria’s national oil and gas company and one of Africa’s largest energy producers. The corporation plays a central role in Algeria’s economy, accounting for the majority of the country’s hydrocarbon production and export revenues.
With operations spanning exploration, production, refining, petrochemicals and energy marketing, SONATRACH has established a strong international footprint across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas. The company is also actively investing in research, technological innovation and low-carbon energy solutions, positioning itself as a key driver of Africa’s energy security and transition efforts.
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