The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has entered into a technical assistance cooperation deal with the Ministry of Petroleum of the Republic of South Sudan to extend the country’s capacity to manage its hydrocarbon sector.
The chamber has begun technical assistance which will support the country in building an enabling environment for business and a world-class oil industry.
As per the agreement, the chamber will conduct an immediate requirement study of the oil and gas sector in South Sudan and outline the vital institutional and policy reforms needed to strengthen capacity across the country’s value chain. The chamber will also work towards important energy access initiatives and mobilise investment for the country.
Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, minister of petroleum in South Sudan, said, “We continue to do a remarkable job when it comes to oil field restoration. We are experiencing an increase in production. However, capacity building programmes are needed to have our natives work and manage our oil resources properly. We welcome the support of the oil sector through the AEC in its collaboration with our country.”
“This partnership with the AEC once again proves the high level of trust and genuine cooperation that is required to develop our country. Assuring energy access is important for every South Sudanese in our march towards economic growth,” he added.
NJ Ayuk, executive chairman at the AEC, said, “South Sudan is East Africa’s only mature oil producer so the interest of oil companies to invest in the market as it puts back damaged field into production is increasing.”
“Now is the time for the oil industry to go around the country’s efforts to build a sustainable hydrocarbons sector whose revenues equitably benefit all South Sudanese. The boosting of the country’s oil sector is a priority as it will provide a pillar for the development of East Africa’s entire energy value-chain,” he concluded.
