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Source: APO

The Eritrean Cycling National Team which is participating at the Africa Cycling Championship 2026 in Kisumu, Kenya, has sealed gold and silver medals at the individual time trial race that was conducted yesterday, 20 October.

The Eritrean Cycling National Team was represented at the race by Athlete Yafiet Mulugeta at the under 23 category and by Olympian Merhawi Kudus and Athlete Hebron Berhane.

Accordingly, Athlete Yafiet Mulugeta, won a Gold Medal at the under 23 category and that Eritrea has won gold medal in this category for the first time after 2015 in the Africa Cycling Championship.

Olympian Athlete Merhawi Kudu also won Silver Medal. It is to be recalled that Merhawi Kudus has been the winner of Gold Medal in 2025.

At the elite male group, Merhawi Kudus won second place by finishing the30.6 km race by 40 minutes and 23 seconds while Hebron Berhane took 10th place.

The Africa Cycling Championship will conclude on Sunday, 25 October.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO

The Lesotho Trade and Investment Forum has officially opened in London, United Kingdom, in partnership with the Westminster Africa Business Association.

The Forum serves as a strategic platform to showcase Lesotho’s investment potential, promote its competitiveness as an investment destination, and foster stronger trade, investment, and business partnerships between Lesotho and the United Kingdom.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Government of Lesotho.

Source: APO

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Nabil Saimi, Senior Investment Director for the Project Development Fund at Africa50, will speak at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 in December. His confirmation brings one of the continent’s leading infrastructure investors to the Dakar conference, with a focus on the earliest and most decisive phase of the project cycle: when concepts become bankable assets. Africa50’s model is built around carrying projects from development through to financing, an approach well matched to the basin’s expanding pipeline of gas, power and infrastructure projects.

Africa50 was set up by the African Development Bank (AfDB) alongside African governments and now has 33 shareholder states, with Senegal, Mauritania and The Gambia among them. The platform has mobilized close to $9 billion in investment across the continent, according to Senegal’s Presidency. Its Project Development business invests equity at the preparation stage to ready projects for financiers, generally targeting developments worth more than $100 million, with power, transport, midstream gas and information and communications technology as priority sectors.

Senegal has been central to Africa50’s power portfolio. At its 2017 shareholders meeting in Dakar, Africa50 partnered with national utility Senelec under a joint agreement to develop the 120 MW Malicounda combined cycle power plant and select its strategic sponsor. The €154 million plant entered commercial operation in August 2022, adding 8% to Senegal’s generation capacity, and was built with the ability to run on the country’s own gas once supply is available. In April 2026, an Africa50 delegation met President Bassirou Diomaye Faye in Dakar and reaffirmed its support for Senegal’s development priorities.

Project development is gathering momentum across the organization. In September 2026, Africa50 appointed former International Finance Corporation (IFC) regional director Cheick-Oumar Sylla as CEO of its Project Development Fund, a key appointment under its 2030 roadmap. Separately, the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa Project Development Fund (AGIA-PD), managed by Africa50, secured $50 million from Italy’s Cassa Depositi e Prestiti and France’s Proparco in 2026, adding to the $118 million raised at its first close in August 2025 as the fund targets $400 million.

Africa50’s reach now extends deeper into gas and grid infrastructure across the continent. In 2026, the platform unveiled partnerships in Tanzania covering LNG and electricity transmission, while a $20 million commitment from British International Investment took its Infrastructure Acceleration Fund to roughly $330 million in total commitments. Both areas carry weight in the MSGBC basin, where LNG exports and gas-to-power plans are shaping the region’s next phase of development.

Plants such as Malicounda were built with domestic gas in mind, and the basin’s next generation of power and gas infrastructure will depend on capital committed early in development. Saimi’s participation strengthens MSGBC 2026’s focus on connecting the region’s project pipeline with the investors able to advance it.

Organized by Energy Capital & Power (ECP) and held under the High Patronage of Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 takes place December 1-3 in Dakar and will convene heads of state, ministers, investors, operators and development partners from Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry. Explore opportunities and secure your participation at www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO

African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 concluded in Cape Town after five days of dealmaking, licensing announcements and project updates aimed at accelerating investment across Africa’s energy sector. Organized by the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org), the October 12–16 conference brought together more than 12,000 international delegates, including government officials, national oil companies, private operators, financiers and technology providers.

The summit secured more than $17 billion in total commitments, while governments presented new investment opportunities and companies formalized strategic partnerships. Discussions covered upstream development, energy infrastructure, digital technologies and workforce training, with commercial initiatives designed to move projects closer to financing and implementation.

Returning as Africa’s Biggest Energy Marketplace

The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) hosted a conference built around connecting project developers with investors. Two dedicated platforms anchored its commercial program: the Premier Invest Deal Room and the African Farmout Forum.

Organized by Premier Invest, the Deal Room presented 15 oil, gas, infrastructure and power projects seeking more than $16 billion in investment. Project sponsors pitched opportunities to potential financiers, including development finance institutions, commercial lenders and institutional investors. Proposals covered upstream exploration, LNG infrastructure, gas-to-power facilities and downstream development.

The African Farmout Forum, held October 12 with Moyes & Co, Farmout Angel and Envoi Ltd, showcased 23 investment opportunities across established and frontier African basins. Operators delivered five-minute pitches covering assets, technical data and investment terms, while a dedicated Wall of Farmouts and investor meetings facilitated discussions around equity farm-downs and joint ventures.

National Investment Strategies

African governments used AEW 2026 to promote licensing opportunities, outline regulatory reforms and attract capital for exploration and production.

Ivory Coast presented its ambition to become a regional energy hub by 2035, backed by a $10 billion energy expansion strategy. The government highlighted the Calao and Calao South blocks as opportunities for foreign exploration and production companies.

Liberia launched its 2026 Direct Negotiation Petroleum Licensing Round through the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority. The round offers 15 blocks across the Liberia and Harper basins, supported by 50,000 line-km of 2D seismic data and 31,000 km² of 3D seismic coverage.

Meanwhile, Gabon outlined petroleum code reforms intended to attract exploration investment through more flexible contractual terms, lower entry costs and streamlined approvals.

Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to first oil from the Lake Albert developments while advancing plans for a 60,000-barrel-per-day (bpd) domestic refinery targeted for completion by 2030.

Senegal presented 104 blocks to investors, expanding access to deepwater and onshore acreage, while Algeria promoted seven onshore exploration blocks in its anticipated bidding round, with Sonatrach highlighting available geological data and development potential.

Major Deals and Partnerships

AEW 2026 produced several corporate agreements spanning energy data, offshore operations, digitalization, aviation fuels and infrastructure research.

The AEC and S&P Global Energy signed a five-year strategic partnership focused on improving African energy data transparency and market intelligence. The collaboration will support energy outlooks and analysis intended to inform investment decisions.

Angola’s Etu Energias, Chariot and BW Energy announced a tripartite agreement aimed at advancing offshore development by combining local operating capabilities with international technical expertise. The South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) and SLB agreed to collaborate on digital transformation, including cloud-based data systems and advanced subsurface technologies.

Sasol and White Desert formalized a sustainable aviation fuel offtake agreement to support commercial supply and distribution. Meanwhile, Imbono and the University of Cape Town announced a three-year partnership linking academic research and commercial investment to develop future-ready infrastructure.

Project Announcements and Updates

Senegal’s Petrosen outlined progress on the Yakaar-Teranga gas project, targeting a final investment decision by the end of 2027. The ultra-deepwater development remains a significant opportunity to expand domestic gas supply.

In Mozambique, Eni confirmed that drilling for its Coral North FLNG project would begin in November 2026, advancing development in the country’s offshore gas sector. Furthermore, TotalEnergies also announced that it had secured a deepwater drillship for an upcoming exploration and appraisal campaign offshore Nigeria. The campaign is expected to advance work on prospects in the country’s deepwater acreage.

Workforce Development and Capacity Building

AEW featured initiatives to strengthen Africa’s technical and financial skills base. The AEW Future Leaders Student Challenge recognized three leading university teams for engineering solutions and financial modelling aimed at addressing energy-sector development challenges.

The ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa Challenge gave African students a platform to present technology and engineering concepts addressing energy access. The initiative focused on student-led solutions for clean energy, decentralized solar power and off-grid applications.

Beyond the Conference Floor

Networking continued through the African Energy Awards and Gala Dinner, which recognized leadership, exploration achievements and institutional reforms across the sector.

The Just Energy Transition Concert at the Grand Africa Café combined African musical performances with opportunities for delegates to build commercial relationships. Business-to-business meetings, corporate breakfasts, ministerial roundtables and beachfront receptions extended discussions beyond formal sessions.

Together, the investment platforms, national showcases, corporate agreements and project updates positioned AEW 2026 as a major meeting point for African energy stakeholders seeking capital, partners and routes to project execution.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO

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Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies Mourad Adjal will participate as a speaker at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026, bringing senior government expertise on gas, power infrastructure, renewable energy and regional energy integration to the event’s investment and policy discussions. Minister Adjal joins Algeria’s Hydrocarbons Minister Mohamed Arkab at the event, taking place December 1–3 in Dakar.

His participation comes as Algeria advances major renewable energy and hydrogen programs while strengthening its position as a regional energy partner. The country is implementing a 15,000 MW renewable energy program through 2035, with a first phase comprising 3,200 MW of solar capacity currently underway. The program offers relevant experience for MSGBC countries seeking to expand generation capacity while integrating larger shares of renewable power into their energy systems.

Hydrogen is also becoming a major component of Algeria’s energy strategy. The country is participating in the SoutH2 Corridor, which aims to establish infrastructure linking North African hydrogen production with European markets, while the Algeria-Europe Alliance for Hydrogen is progressing toward the publication of its feasibility study results in 2027.

These developments have direct relevance to the MSGBC region, where Mauritania and Senegal are positioning themselves for large-scale green hydrogen development alongside expanding oil and gas production. The combination of new generation capacity, transmission infrastructure and export-oriented energy projects is creating growing demand for integrated regional energy systems.

Minister Adjal also brings extensive experience from Algeria’s electricity and gas sector at a time when MSGBC countries are developing gas-to-power infrastructure and cross-border energy connections. Senegal is advancing domestic gas utilisation and new power capacity, while Mauritania is combining LNG development with emerging hydrogen projects and wider plans for energy-intensive industrial development.

Before becoming minister in September 2025, Adjal served as Chairman and CEO of Sonelgaz, Algeria’s state-owned electricity and gas utility, from December 2021. He previously led the Electricity and Gas Distribution Company and held senior regional roles including President of the Mediterranean Transmission System Operators Association and Chairman of the Maghreb Electricity Committee.

His participation adds senior North African perspective to an MSGBC market increasingly focused on converting resource discoveries into producing assets, reliable power and integrated infrastructure. As Senegal, Mauritania and neighbouring markets develop gas, electricity and renewable projects, Adjal’s experience across utility-scale energy systems will contribute to discussions on building the infrastructure required for the region’s next phase of growth.

MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power will convene international operators, service companies and investors in Dakar to explore opportunities across the region’s energy sector. To secure a delegate pass or learn more, visit www.MSGBCOilGasandPower.com or email sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO

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Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals is expanding its footprint across East Africa, with a $16 billion refinery planned in Kenya and a $335 million investment in Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC). As these developments open new opportunities for regional petroleum trade, the company’s CEO and Managing Director David Bird has joined the South Sudan Oil & Power (SSOP) 2026 conference as a speaker.

Taking place in Juba on November 24-25, SSOP returns for its seventh edition as the nation’s premier platform for investment, dealmaking and policy. Bird’s participation comes as South Sudan looks to translate its resource potential into renewed exploration, higher production and greater participation in regional petroleum value chains. With major downstream investment reshaping East Africa’s energy market, SSOP 2026 offers an opportunity for producers, refiners and investors to establish the partnerships needed to advance regional energy trade and unlock new commercial opportunities.

The event arrives at a strategic time for Dangote. On September 30, the company officially broke ground on a 700,000-barrel-per-day (bpd) refinery in Lamu, Kenya. Set to come online in 2029, the facility is designed to supply gasoline, diesel and jet fuel to East African markets, with regional governments offered a combined 30% stake in the project. The project aims to replicate Dangote’s 650,000-bpd Nigerian facility, which is currently operating at full capacity and is set to expand to 1.2 million bpd. A delegation from South Sudan attended the Lamu groundbreaking ceremony, underscoring the country’s commitment to strengthening regional petroleum ties.

https://apo-opa.co/4zQaHcU

Beyond the Lamu facility, Dangote is strengthening its footprint across East Africa’s distribution networks. Just this month, the company acquired a 25% stake in KPC, securing access to established infrastructure transporting petroleum products from Kenya’s coast to regional markets, including Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Following the $335 million transaction, Dangote plans to invest an additional $1.5 billion to expand KPC’s approximately 1,300-km pipeline network, bringing its total planned investment to $1.8 billion.

https://apo-opa.co/4zS8fCN

For South Sudan, East Africa’s only established commercial crude oil producer, Dangote’s expansion introduces new opportunities for regional petroleum integration. The country holds approximately 3.5 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and is seeking to increase production through new exploration, redevelopment of mature fields and investment in supporting infrastructure. While no crude supply agreement between South Sudan and Dangote has been announced, the development of additional regional refining capacity could create opportunities for future feedstock supply arrangements, subject to commercial viability, infrastructure and crude compatibility.

Bird brings extensive experience across refining, petrochemicals and integrated energy infrastructure to SSOP 2026. Before joining Dangote in 2025, he served as CEO of OQ8, the $9.5 billion Duqm refinery joint venture in Oman, overseeing the development and commissioning of major refining, pipeline and terminal infrastructure. He also held senior leadership positions at Shell, spanning upstream production, downstream operations and global energy supply chains. His participation at SSOP 2026 will bring expertise in large-scale refining investment, project delivery and regional petroleum market development to discussions on South Sudan’s next phase of growth.

https://apo-opa.co/3WotMnT

As the country’s official energy event, held in partnership with the Ministry of Petroleum, SSOP 2026 provides a platform for advancing discussions around regional trade, refining and infrastructure investment. The conference brings together international and national oil companies, refiners, trading companies, infrastructure developers, financiers and technology providers to negotiate partnerships, mobilize investment and connect South Sudan’s petroleum resources with regional and international markets.

Register for SSOP 2026: https://apo-opa.co/3WGMyXJ

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO

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Senegal and its neighbours are moving into a new phase of energy development as major oil and gas projects advance toward production, gas infrastructure expands and governments look to turn resource wealth into broader industrial growth. Day One of MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 will bring these priorities together, with a program focused on investment, project development, regional cooperation and the commercial opportunities emerging across the MSGBC basin.

Taking place December 1-3 at the Centre International de Conférences Abdou Diouf (CICAD) in Dakar, Senegal, the fifth edition of the conference and exhibition will connect policymakers, energy companies, investors, financiers and technical partners from across Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry.

Day One of the event – taking place on December 2 – will open with a Presidential and Ministerial programme led by H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of Senegal. Senior representatives from the African Energy Chamber, Gas Exporting Countries Forum, African Petroleum Producers’ Organization, bp and Woodside will join the opening, setting the policy and investment context for discussions on the basin’s growing role in global energy markets.

A Ministerial Dialogue will then bring together energy leaders from Senegal, Mauritania, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry to examine how the region can accelerate exploration and production while developing the infrastructure needed to monetize its natural gas resources. Regional integration, cross-border cooperation, innovation and storage will form part of the discussion as governments work to translate resource development into energy security and economic growth.

The investment agenda will continue with the CEO Regional Leadership Panel, “Is MSGBC the Next Global Gas Hotspot?” Executives from companies including bp, Chevron, Energean, Woodside Energy and Africa Finance Corporation will consider what is driving investment into the region’s gas sector and how MSGBC markets can compete for international capital.

The program will then turn to the basin’s resource potential and project pipeline. “The Future of the MSGBC Basin: Where the Next Billion Barrels and Trillions of Cubic Feet Will Come From” will examine emerging exploration opportunities, followed by “From Discovery to Development: Projects Moving Toward FID,” highlighting projects approaching final investment decisions and the milestones needed to unlock financing.

Natural gas will take center stage in “Gas as the Engine of Regional Transformation,” with discussions covering gas-powered electrification, regional gas markets, transmission infrastructure and the role of gas in supporting fertilizer, petrochemical and industrial development.

The commercial focus will continue through strategic dealmaking and signing ceremonies, where announcements and agreements will cover upstream partnerships, infrastructure investments, financing arrangements and energy cooperation frameworks.

The day will culminate in the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony, bringing together government officials, investors and industry leaders for an evening of networking and recognition. Following a full day of policy discussions, investment dialogue and commercial activity, the Gala will provide a further opportunity to build relationships with the companies and institutions shaping the region’s energy future.

With major projects now requiring capital, infrastructure and strategic partnerships to move into their next stages, Day One will showcase the MSGBC region as an increasingly important destination for energy investment and a market where resource development is being linked directly to regional economic growth.

MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 takes place December 1-3 at the CICAD in Dakar, Senegal, under the High Patronage of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, visit https://MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO

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Djibouti’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources is sending a high-level delegation to the upcoming South Sudan Oil & Power (SSOP) conference on November 24-25, bringing new opportunities for cross-border collaboration as the two countries seek to strengthen oil and gas ties, expand trade infrastructure and unlock new opportunities for energy investment.

Director of Hydrocarbons Wahib Ali Boulo will represent the ministry at the seventh edition of the conference, which convenes international investors and leading operators from November 24-25. The delegation’s participation builds on an oil and gas cooperation agreement signed by the two countries at SSOP 2022, as well as a new trade corridor initiative aimed at improving South Sudan’s access to international markets.

Djibouti and South Sudan have been strengthening cooperation in recent years under efforts to address energy bottlenecks and accelerate regional development. In September 2026, South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation James Pitia Morgan met his Djiboutian counterpart Abdoulkader Houssein Omar in Djibouti, where the two officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and advancing shared regional priorities.

The meeting followed the signing of an agreement in August 2025 to develop the White Nile trade corridor. The initiative aims to establish river and dry port infrastructure in Juba, Bor, Malakal and Renk, linking South Sudan to international trade routes through Djibouti. Planned routes include road transport through Ethiopia and river connections along the Sobat and White Nile, providing a potential alternative logistics network for the landlocked country.

For South Sudan’s oil and gas industry, improved regional connectivity could create opportunities to strengthen equipment supply chains, reduce logistics constraints and facilitate cross-border petroleum trade. Djibouti, meanwhile, stands to reinforce its position as a regional logistics and maritime gateway, connecting East African energy markets to international investors and suppliers.

Against this backdrop, SSOP 2026 provides an opportunity to build on existing agreements and translate bilateral engagement into new commercial partnerships. As East Africa’s premier energy dealmaking platform, the conference connects governments, international operators, investors and service providers to advance oil and gas projects, infrastructure development and regional energy trade.

At the 2022 edition of the event, Djibouti and South Sudan signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a framework for expanding bilateral cooperation across oil and gas, investment and cross-border energy trade. The agreement demonstrated the conference’s role in facilitating government-to-government partnerships and opening new commercial opportunities across East Africa.

Djibouti’s return to SSOP reinforces the event’s role as a catalyst for cross-border cooperation, bringing regional partners together to advance investment opportunities and turn strategic agreements into tangible energy projects.

To register for SSOP 2026 in Juba on November 24–25, visit: https://SouthSudanOilPower.com/

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO

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A strong slate of senior figures from Libya’s financial sector, global energy intelligence and development finance will participate as speakers at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2027 in Tripoli from January 23–25. Their participation will bring investors and policymakers closer to the institutions shaping how Libya finances, evaluates and delivers its next phase of economic and energy development.

The speakers arrive at a pivotal moment for Libya. The country is seeking to convert renewed international interest in its hydrocarbons into sustained investment, while addressing the infrastructure, institutional and financing constraints that have historically limited development.

Mohammed Ali Addarrat, Chairman of the Management Committee of the Libyan Foreign Bank (LFB), will bring the perspective of an institution at the center of Libya’s international financial architecture. Under his leadership, LFB has placed greater emphasis on transparency, governance and digital transformation while expanding its role in supporting economic activity. The bank has also approved a $1 billion financing facility for National Oil Corporation projects aimed at increasing the country’s oil production above 1.5 million barrels per day.

Malinne Blomberg, Deputy Director General for North Africa at the African Development Bank (AfDB), will bring a broader development-finance perspective to LEES 2027. The AfDB’s 2025–2028 Country Brief for Libya prioritizes stronger institutions, improved access to basic infrastructure and economic diversification, with interventions spanning transport, renewable energy, agriculture, water security and non-oil value chains. The bank is also working to expand private sector participation and investment in the country.

Jennifer Jumbe, Director of Energy & Natural Resources at S&P Global Energy, will bring an international market perspective to Libya’s investment drive. With more than 14 years of energy-market experience, Jumbe advises government, financial institutions and energy companies on the economic underpinning major energy projects. Her participation comes as Libya seeks to attract international capital following its latest licensing activity and as investors assess the commercial potential of new exploration opportunities across the country.

Meanwhile, Cristina Tomé Martinez, Technical Research Associate Director for Upstream Energy at S&P Global Energy, will add specialist expertise to discussions around Libya’s upstream and Mediterranean energy outlook. Her work spans technical research and asset evaluation, making her participation particularly timely as Libya advances exploration and considers how new resources can be connected to export markets.

The participation of these speakers gives LEES 2027 a stronger connection between financial decisions surrounding Libya’s recovery and the energy projects driving it. Their combined perspectives will be valuable as Libya moves from attracting interest to demonstrating that capital can be deployed effectively, projects can be executed and energy revenues can support a broader economic transformation.

LEES 2027 will bring together government officials, national oil companies, international operators, investors, financial institutions and service providers in Tripoli for three days of discussions focused on Libya’s investment agenda. With the country pursuing higher production, new exploration and major infrastructure development, the summit will provide a platform for investors to engage directly with the institutions and leaders shaping Libya’s next economic chapter.

For more information about LEES 2027, visit www.LibyaSummit.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO

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Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, has been confirmed as a keynote speaker at South Sudan Oil & Power (SSOP) 2026, taking place November 24–25 in Juba. His participation comes as South Sudan deepens petroleum and infrastructure ties with regional neighbors, bringing the country’s energy investment agenda into a broader discussion around regional trade, market access and economic integration.

Mene’s participation follows his July 2026 visit to Juba, during which he engaged with government and private-sector stakeholders on South Sudan’s pathway toward AfCFTA ratification and the opportunities presented by the continental market. The country signed the AfCFTA agreement in 2018. During the visit, South Sudanese authorities highlighted the role of the platform in strengthening private-sector participation, supporting SME growth and advancing broader trade and regional ties.

For South Sudan, AfCFTA membership stands to advance regional integration across an energy sector that is inherently dependent on cross-border trade and infrastructure. As a landlocked oil producer, the country relies on pipelines through Sudan to move crude to international markets, while neighboring countries provide important routes for petroleum imports, equipment, services and logistics.

Recent disruptions have highlighted the commercial risks associated with this dependence. Damage to export infrastructure in Sudan disrupted South Sudanese crude flows in 2024, while the government has sought to strengthen complementary regional supply routes. In 2025, South Sudan and Kenya established a framework for petroleum-product imports through the Port of Mombasa and Northern Corridor, including access to pipeline and storage infrastructure.

AfCFTA membership would add a trade and investment dimension to these physical regional connections. Ratification would enable qualifying South Sudanese businesses to trade under the Agreement’s preferential framework, potentially reducing barriers to the movement of goods and services required by the energy industry while improving access to markets across the continent.

This regional integration agenda provides a strong backdrop to SSOP 2026. South Sudan is targeting an increase in oil production from approximately 170,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 230,000 bpd in the short term and 450,000 bpd over the longer term. Reaching these targets will require investment not only in exploration and mature-field redevelopment, but also in the infrastructure, services and regional commercial relationships needed to support higher production and connect projects with markets.

Mene’s participation will bring this continental trade and investment perspective to SSOP 2026. Held under the theme Resource Renaissance – Energy-Fueled Growth for a New Generation, the conference will connect government, operators, investors, financiers and service companies as South Sudan seeks to translate energy investment into wider industrial and economic growth.

Now in its seventh edition, SSOP has a proven track record of converting high-level engagement into actionable commercial and cross-border partnerships. The event has facilitated landmark agreements spanning exploration, production and infrastructure cooperation with regional partners such as Djibouti and South Africa.

To register for South Sudan Oil & Power 2026 in Juba on November 24–25, visit: https://apo-opa.co/4i84D8d

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.