Senior executives from South Sudan's national oil company, Nile Petroleum Corporation (Nilepet), will participate in South Sudan Oil & Power (SSOP) 2026, taking place November 24-25 in Juba. Managing Director Emmanuel Athiei Ayual will be among the speakers, putting Nilepet's investment priorities at the center of discussions. The company aims to expand oil production from approximately 170,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 230,000 bpd in the short term.
Nilepet is pursuing partnerships across crude transportation, refining, fuel distribution, and digital infrastructure. The company's development agenda includes proposed pipeline and refinery projects, downstream infrastructure expansion, and operational modernization. One opportunity under development is a proposed 350-kilometre pipeline connecting the Tharjiath oilfields in Block 5A with the Paloch oilfields in Blocks 3 and 7. This project aims to improve crude evacuation from Block 5A and support increased production.
Nilepet is implementing its 2026-2028 Downstream Directorate Strategic Plan, which includes rehabilitating and expanding petroleum depots, increasing LPG storage and distribution capacity, modernizing fuel retail stations, and improving the utilization of existing facilities. The company is also seeking a strategic investor to support a refinery project in Block 5A. Additionally, Nilepet has cleared over $172 million in historical financial obligations associated with its former PETRONAS partnership and joint operating companies.
The national oil company is advancing operational modernization through a digital transformation project designed to improve connectivity, security, and information management across its facilities. This initiative includes telecommunications infrastructure, enterprise networking, surveillance systems, and centralized data management. As Nilepet strengthens its digital capabilities, opportunities are emerging for technology providers specializing in industrial automation, cybersecurity, and technical training.
SSOP 2026 will provide a platform for Nilepet to engage international investors, financiers, contractors, and technology providers on its priorities. The conference, held under the theme "Resource Renaissance – Energy-Fueled Growth for a New Generation," will bring together government representatives, national and international oil companies, investors, and service providers to explore opportunities across South Sudan's upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors.
The event returns for its seventh edition as South Sudan's official energy investment platform, connecting Nilepet's leadership with international financiers, technology providers, project developers, and oilfield services companies. This will support broader discussions on South Sudan's upstream development and production growth ambitions. Interested parties can register for South Sudan Oil & Power 2026 in Juba on November 24-25 by visiting the conference website.
The conference and Nilepet's participation reflect the company's drive to improve operational efficiency, strengthen commercial performance, and expand South Sudan's domestic petroleum value chain. With its strengthened financial position and digital capabilities, Nilepet is poised to attract investment and partnerships that will support the country's energy sector growth.
Key points
- Nilepet aims to expand oil production from 170,000 bpd to 230,000 bpd in the short term.
- The company is pursuing partnerships across crude transportation, refining, fuel distribution, and digital infrastructure.
- SSOP 2026 will provide a platform for Nilepet to engage international investors, financiers, contractors, and technology providers on its priorities.
