By Ajong Mbapndah L
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to positioning South Sudan as one of Africa’s most attractive frontier energy investment destinations following a high-level working visit by Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk to Juba, where he met government officials and industry leaders to discuss strategies for expanding investment across the country’s energy sector.
The visit comes at a critical time for South Sudan as the government intensifies efforts to reverse declining production, attract fresh exploration capital and diversify its energy sector beyond crude oil. While the country remains East Africa’s only major oil producer, authorities are increasingly seeking new investment in refining, natural gas, power generation and supporting infrastructure to strengthen long-term energy security and economic growth.
Reflecting on the visit, Ayuk emphasized that South Sudan’s resource potential remains one of the continent’s strongest, but sustained engagement with international investors will be essential to unlocking that opportunity.
“Always a pleasure to be with the oil and gas teams in South Sudan,” Ayuk said.
“South Sudan possesses the resource potential to become one of Africa’s most compelling frontier investment destinations, but attracting capital requires sustained engagement with the global investment community.”
He said the African Energy Chamber would continue championing South Sudan’s opportunities internationally while helping connect investors with government and industry stakeholders.
“The African Energy Chamber will champion South Sudan’s opportunities on the international stage, connecting investors with government and industry leaders while supporting reforms that create a stable, competitive and investable energy sector capable of delivering long-term growth,” Ayuk stated.
South Sudan possesses proven oil reserves estimated at approximately 3.5 billion barrels, making hydrocarbons the backbone of the country’s economy. Current production fluctuates between 70,000 and 100,000 barrels per day, with government projections indicating production of between 8.5 million and 12.2 million barrels during the August-November 2026 period as authorities work to stabilize operations and expand output.
Production is led by the national oil company Nilepet, working alongside Dar Petroleum Operating Company, Greater Nile Petroleum Operating Company—operated by China National Petroleum Corporation—and Sudd Petroleum Operating Company. Meanwhile, South Africa’s Strategic Fuel Fund Association continues advancing plans for exploration in the Block B2 concession while evaluating downstream refining opportunities.
Beyond increasing crude production, discussions during Ayuk’s visit focused on creating a more predictable investment environment capable of attracting long-term international capital. Officials highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at reducing investment barriers, improving project execution and strengthening regulatory certainty for investors considering South Sudan.
The meetings also examined opportunities in natural gas development, electricity generation and energy infrastructure, recognizing that broader investment across the energy value chain will be necessary to support industrialization, improve fuel security and expand electricity access for businesses and communities.
A major component of the discussions centered on local content and ensuring that South Sudanese citizens derive greater long-term benefits from the country’s natural resources. Participants explored measures to increase employment opportunities, strengthen local supply chains and build domestic technical capacity so that future energy investments create lasting economic value beyond government revenues.
The African Energy Chamber has consistently argued that Africa’s frontier producers require sustained international promotion to compete successfully for global investment capital, particularly as competition intensifies among emerging energy markets. By placing South Sudan before international investors, financial institutions and project developers, the Chamber believes the country can secure the financing needed to unlock both existing petroleum resources and new exploration opportunities.
The visit also reinforces the Chamber’s broader strategy of supporting African governments in creating investor-friendly environments while advocating for pragmatic energy development policies that balance economic growth, energy security and local value creation. Through initiatives such as the upcoming African Energy Week in Cape Town, the Chamber continues providing platforms where countries like South Sudan can showcase opportunities directly to global investors, technology providers and financing institutions.
For South Sudan, whose economy remains heavily dependent on petroleum revenues, attracting fresh investment into exploration, production, refining and associated infrastructure will be critical not only for raising output but also for diversifying the economy, expanding employment and improving access to reliable energy. Ayuk’s visit therefore signals continued international engagement at a time when the country is seeking to reposition itself as one of Africa’s next frontier investment destinations in the energy sector.
