The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has entered into a technical assistance cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Petroleum of the Republic of South Sudan in an effort to bolster the country’s capacity to develop and manage its hydrocarbons sector.
Under the agreement, the chamber will conduct an immediate needs assessment of South Sudan’s oil and gas sector and outline the primary institutional and policy reforms needed to build capacity across its energy value chain. The partnership will also focus on key energy access initiatives and mobilize financing for the country.
With increasing oil, gas exploration and production activity, South Sudan is East Africa’s only mature oil producer, and the energy sector serves as the pillar of its national economy. As a result, the country faces a growing need to bolster its level of local expertise, push for increased energy access in rural areas and foster economic empowerment and sustainable development jobs. The chamber seeks to mobilize the oil and gas community by providing technical assistance to the South Sudanese government and strengthening its ties with both the regional and international investment community.
“We continue to do a remarkable job when it comes to oil field resumption. We are seeing an increase in production. However, capacity building programs are needed to have our citizens work and manage our oil resources properly. We welcome the support of the oil sector through the African Energy Chamber in its collaboration with our country,” said Hon. Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, Minister of Petroleum and mining in South Sudan.
“This partnership once again proves the high level of trust and genuine cooperation that is needed to develop our country. Guaranteeing energy access is important for every South Sudanese in our march towards economic growth.”
