Algeria.. A new change at the head of Sonatrach reflects the dynamism of the energy sector

In a step that confirms the continued movement within the pyramid of the Algerian energy sector, the authorities announced, on Sunday, the dismissal of Sonatrach CEO Rachid Hachichi and the appointment of Noureddine Daoudi as his successor, becoming the twelfth director to assume leadership of the African energy giant in just fifteen years – a number that reflects the magnitude of the transformations and challenges experienced by this strategic sector.

A change in leadership amid major transformations

The decision came by two presidential decrees dated October 26, 2025, according to a statement issued by the Algerian Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mines.

In his speech, Arkab explained that this appointment comes within the framework of “a new dynamism witnessed in the hydrocarbons and mining sector,” a translation of the strategic vision of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, which aims to strengthen Algeria’s position as a reliable energy supplier in regional and global markets.

He added that the next stage requires Sonatrach to engage in a more open and innovative institutional path, especially with the accelerating global transformations towards clean energies and the energy transition, stressing that the complex will remain “the beating heart of the national economy and the pillar of the country’s energy security.”

Who is Noureddine Daoudi?

Noureddine Daoudi is viewed as one of the outstanding talents in the Algerian petroleum industry. During his long career, he held pivotal positions, most notably the presidency of the Hydrocarbon Resources Valuation Agency between 2020 and 2024, a government body that supervises and regulates exploration, production, and development activities in the fields of oil and gas.

Daoudi has more than 32 years of experience in the field of hydrocarbon exploration, in addition to high skill in managing major projects and negotiating international partnerships, according to what was reported by local media. Observers believe that his selection reflects a trend towards enhancing technical efficiency and modern governance within the company, in line with the requirements of the next phase of economic reform.

A heavy legacy and a record of frequent changes

Sonatrach, founded in 1963, is the largest economic corporation in Africa and the Arab world, controlling more than 95% of Algeria’s oil and gas exports. Despite its economic weight, over the past two decades it has witnessed successive changes in its senior management, with 12 CEOs succeeding it since 2010, which reflects a combination of political transformations and economic pressures faced by the sector.

Rachid Hachichi assumed the position in October 2023, succeeding Tawfik Hakar, who led the company from February 2020 until his dismissal, amid complex circumstances imposed by the war in Ukraine and fluctuations in global energy prices.

Sonatrach is at the heart of the African equation

Sonatrach maintains its leadership position on the African continent, as in 2022 it topped the list of “The 500 Best African Institutions” issued by the French magazine Jeune Afrique. The company also constitutes Algeria’s foreign economic arm, through its projects in Europe and Africa, and its partnerships with major international companies such as Italy’s Eni, France’s Total Energy, and Britain’s Shell.

Prospects for the next stage

Analysts believe that Daoudi’s appointment comes at a crucial moment, as Algeria seeks to diversify its energy markets and consolidate its position as a major exporter of gas to Europe, while maintaining the balance of its relations between its traditional partners in the West and its new allies in Asia and Africa.

It is expected that the priorities of the new CEO will be to accelerate exploration projects and develop energy infrastructure, with a focus on governance and transparency within the institution, and to improve its competitiveness in light of a global energy environment that is rapidly moving towards sustainable transformation.

While this change is seen as part of the “natural modernization” of the institution, others see it as reflecting Algeria’s search for a leadership model capable of balancing economic realism with strategic ambition, at a time when the country seeks to assert its presence as a major energy power in Africa and the Mediterranean.