Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia Explore Renewable Energy Co-operation

Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia are exploring opportunities to expand co-operation in the energy sector, including solar and wind power, technical knowledge exchange and investment in oil and gas exploration.

Mohammad Younus Akhundzada, Afghanistan’s Minister of Energy and Water, met Mohammad Ibrahim, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Energy, during a visit to the kingdom. The discussions focused on expanding bilateral energy co-operation, sharing technical expertise and launching joint initiatives in renewable energy.

Matiullah Abid, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Energy and Water, said that Akhundzada had invited the Saudi deputy minister and technical officials from the ministry to visit Afghanistan on an official trip. According to the ministry, Saudi Arabia has agreed to send a technical team to Afghanistan to examine potential areas of cooperation.

Cooperation in oil and gas exploration is also part of the two countries’ engagement. Afghanistan’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum has signed an agreement with Saudi company Delta International for the exploration and extraction of resources in the Kushk–Tir Pul oil basin.

Under the agreement, the company will initially invest USD 200 million in the exploration and extraction of seven gas fields in the basin.

The proposed expansion of energy ties comes as Afghanistan seeks to strengthen domestic energy production and reduce its dependence on imported supplies. Economic analysts have highlighted the importance of attracting foreign investment and accessing technical expertise to develop the country’s energy resources.

Economic analyst Abdul Shakoor Hadawal said that agreements between Kabul and Riyadh in the water and energy sectors could help Afghanistan benefit from Saudi Arabia’s experience, particularly in oil and gas.

Another economic analyst, Abdul Nasir Reshtia, said that Afghanistan faced a significant shortage of capital and that investment from Saudi Arabia could help address financing constraints in the energy sector.

According to Reshtia, greater Saudi investment could reduce Afghanistan’s dependence on regional countries for energy supplies while creating opportunities for economic growth.

Afghanistan currently relies on imports to meet part of its energy requirements. Increased investment in renewable energy and conventional energy resources could help expand domestic production capacity, although the extent of the impact will depend on the implementation of proposed initiatives and investment agreements.