Algeria’s National Agency for the Valorization of Hydrocarbon Resources (ALNAFT) has launched a new digital platform aimed at assessing investor interest in the country’s hydrocarbon sector ahead of the upcoming Algeria Bid Round 2026.
Announced by ALNAFT Chairman Samir Bekhti, the platform—called the “Nomination Process”—allows oil and gas companies to indicate interest by selecting between six and eight exploration blocks from a curated list of 24 blocks located across different regions of Algeria. The initiative is designed to help authorities better understand market appetite before launching the international tender in the first half of 2026.
Bekhti said the approach reflects a proactive shift in how Algeria prepares its licensing rounds, enabling the design of more targeted, attractive, and efficient tenders. Block selection will be evaluated based on national priorities, geological potential, and demonstrated investor interest.
He emphasized that the platform represents a move away from a one-dimensional tendering model toward a partner-oriented approach, while fully preserving state sovereignty over Algeria’s hydrocarbon resources. The initiative operates within the framework of the country’s Hydrocarbon Law, reinforcing transparency, regulatory stability, and long-term planning.
The nomination process will remain open until the end of January 2026, after which ALNAFT will assess submissions and finalize the list of exploration blocks to be offered. The move also aligns with Algeria’s strategy to expand production capacity in anticipation of rising global gas demand, projected to reach 5,300 billion cubic meters annually.
