South Sudan is aiming to boost oil production to 230,000 barrels per day (bpd) by 2026 and establish a 60,000-bpd refinery to meet internal demand. To achieve these targets, investments in exploration and human capital development need to be increased. Women are expected to bring new levels of innovation to the energy market as the country transitions to the next generation of energy.
Recognizing the growing role of women in the industry, South Sudan is implementing programs and initiatives to enhance their participation in the oil and gas sector. The Women in Energy lunch during the 2023 South Sudan Oil&Power (SSOP) conference discussed ongoing initiatives to support women’s involvement. The topic of women in energy will be further integrated into the program of the upcoming SSOP 2024 conference.
SSOP 2024 positions South Sudan as a hub for investments and partnerships in the East African energy sector. The conference and exhibition, taking place in Juba from June 25-28, 2024, offers investors opportunities in hydrocarbons, renewable energy, and power sectors. For sponsorship or delegate participation, reach out to sales@energycapitalpower.com.
The Women in Energy lunch in 2023 was sponsored by Triple A Petroleum, a South Sudanese energy company, and featured speakers from the Ministry of Petroleum, Nilepet, and South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. Along with increasing women’s participation, the speakers highlighted the importance of promoting women to leadership roles in South Sudan’s energy sector to enhance capacity and drive economic growth.
“To increase women in leadership roles, mentorship programs and platforms should be prioritized to provide women with access to opportunities,” said Atong Amos Agook, Founder&CEO of Triple A Petroleum.
Triple A Petroleum, Nilepet, and the Ministry of Petroleum have initiatives in place to promote knowledge transfer and create opportunities for women in the industry. Dr. Labanya Margaret Mathya, DG Administration and Finance at South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum, emphasized the importance of giving women room to participate during SSOP 2023.
While Triple A Petroleum held a mentorship forum in 2023, Nilepet connects women to jobs and leadership positions within the company. Amb. Martha Nyamal, Deputy CEO/MD at Nilepet, stated, “Women are the backbone of this nation and Nilepet believes in providing women with training, work, and global connections for the company’s growth.”
Similarly, the Ministry of Petroleum offers internships and training opportunities for women in the industry. Dr. Mathya mentioned that women join these programs as new entrants, bringing diversity, new wealth, and innovation to the sector.
The seventh edition of the SSOP conference will take place in Juba from June 25-28, also featuring the South Sudan Mining Forum. Women in energy, a crucial part of South Sudan’s economy, will be highlighted throughout the four-day event in collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum.
Energy Capital&Power’s Women in Energy series celebrates the influential role of women in shaping the African energy sector. From projects to companies to community development, the series emphasizes women’s contribution to sector growth. Follow www.EnergyCapitalPower.com and our social media channels for daily updates.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.