As South Sudan continues to make forays in eastern and southern Africa’s energy development, National Oil Company (NOC) Nilepet continues to call for increased investment and international participation in the country’s petroleum sector. As such, ahead of the South Sudan Oil & Power (SSOP) 2024 conference in June, Nilepet Managing Director (MD) Eng. Bernard Amuor Makeny has announced that the country is open for business and investment.
During an interview with CNBC Africa on March 14, Makeny highlighted the upstream sector as a focus area for investment, with opportunities for oilfield services, drilling services and exploration technology companies available in the country. The MD highlighted that the potential to produce over 500,000 barrels of oil per day offers lucrative opportunities for other African countries to benefit from South Sudan’s vast petroleum resources.
SSOP 2024 positions South Sudan at the center of investments and partnerships in the East African energy landscape. Taking place in Juba on June 25-28, 2024, the conference and exhibition invites investors to explore and engage with opportunities across the hydrocarbons, renewable energy and power sectors. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.
“As a corporation, we want to change the narrative. We want to showcase to the African countries that we are one of the oil producing nations, we are open for investment, we are open for partnerships, we are open for joint ventures with South African companies, especially in the areas of mining and agriculture,” Makeny stated.
Calling on increased international participation in South Sudan’s petroleum sectors, Makeny noted the potential for South Africa to assist in establishing the mechanisms required to ensure a build-up of refining capacity in the East African country. Makeny further indicated that South Africa can leverage its refining capacity and participate in South Sudan’s petroleum sector to meet its high demand for heavy fuel oils.
The announcement comes after the official opening of Nilepet’s headquarter building in Juba by South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit on March 2, which is poised to facilitate the NOC’s role in driving human capacity development while spurring its growing ambition across the spectrum of energy activities in the country.
