Zim to tap into Algerian, Japanese gas expertise

Blessings Chidakwa-Herald Reporter

Following the discovery of natural gas deposits in Zimbabwe, the country will be tapping knowledge from Algeria, one of the largest African producers exporting 53 percent of its output to the European Union (EU). 

A local team is next month expected to get training on the hydrocarbons in Algeria, in preparation for full exploitation of Zimbabwean gas deposits which have now been confirmed by an investor.

Australian firm, Invictus Energy, this week announced that it had made a further gas discovery at its Mukuyu-2 exploration well in Muzarabani-Mbire District of Mashonaland Central Province, northern Zimbabwe, confirming the country’s potential of producing gas for domestic use and manufacture and for export.

Speaking after presenting credentials at State House in Harare yesterday, incoming Algerian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Mahamed Seoudi said he would promote business cooperation that resulted in a win-win situation.

Ambassador Seoudi said Zimbabwe and Africa could count on President Mnangagwa as he has a clear vision to uplift the nation and by 2030, Zimbabwe would be economically empowered.

Newly accredited Algerian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mahamed Seoudi

“As you may know our minister of energy was last August here there was a memorandum of understanding signed by both parties,” he said.

“There will be a joint venture investment in the field and there will be training of our brothers from Zimbabwe in the National Institute of Hydrocarbons and Chemistry in Algeria maybe next month.” 

Ambassador Seoudi said Algeria and Zimbabwe had deep relations based on the common struggle against colonialism for the independence of the two countries’ freedoms.

“I really listened to the valuable advice of the President concerning the strengthening of the diplomacy of relations between our countries,” he said.

“We talked to some of them. He really showed interest to go as deeply as his brother, also president Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to strengthen further to go ahead with projects for the benefit of our two people in all spheres.” 

Ambassador Seoudi said the two countries wanted to cooperate in the fields of tourism, mining and agriculture.

“Medical field we did not discuss about it but it is on the cards. We talked about tourism also. Algerian operators of tourism are also to benefit from the experience Zimbabwe has in tourism,” he said.

“We are inviting some operators to go to Algeria to share their experiences with their counterparts in Algeria. Algeria is also a big country. We have the Sahara Desert which is also very very beautiful. So, the exchange between our two countries is really very valuable.”

Japanese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Zimbabwe Shinichi Yamanaka also presented his credentials after arriving in the country two weeks ago.

President Mnangagwa receives credentials from the newly accredited Japanese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Zimbabwe, Shinichi Yamanaka, while Acting Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira (left) looks on at State House in Harare yesterday.

 He said people from both nations had a common feature among them being “very gentle, polite and disciplined.”

“So, I am going to expedite our development cooperation here based upon my past experience and knowledge, especially with JIKA, including cooperation in agriculture, rehabilitation of the roads and human resource development,” he said.

Newly accredited Japanese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Zimbabwe Shinichi Yamanaka.

“Also, I would like to contribute to the promotion of the business relationship between the two countries. The President mentioned that Zimbabwe has a good potential for investment including mineral resources and also the highly educated people here.” 

Ambassador Yamanaka said he would like to promote the advantage of Zimbabwe to the Japanese people and businessmen. 

The Herald