Algeria’s president Abdelmadjid Tebboune on 2 October sacked Toufik Hakkar as head of state oil and gas giant Sonatrach, replacing him with Rachid Hachichi.

Speaking at Mr Hachichi’s appointment ceremony the same day energy minister Mohamed Arkab highlighted Mr Hachichi’s “rich” experience at Sonatrach, including a previous 7-month stint as CEO in 2019. Mr Hachichi “will breathe new life into the Group, given the current challenges,” Mr Arkab says. Key among these challenges is persuading IOCs to hike investment and advance long-stalled projects (MEES, 14 July), though at least on the gas front the signs are positive with exports at a 7-year high (MEES, 15 September). (CONTINUED - 340 WORDS)