South Sudan is pushing forward with a multi-million-dollar expansion of its national electrical grid and regional transmission network. The expansion comes ahead of the South Sudan Oil & Power (SSOP) 2026 conference, scheduled for November 24-25, 2026, in Juba. This conference will bring together government officials, international financiers, regional utilities, and engineering contractors to coordinate funding and technology deployment.
A key component of the expansion is the World Bank-funded South Sudan Energy Sector Access and Institutional Strengthening Project (ASSIST). This $53 million initiative includes a $16.8 million international procurement package aimed at designing, supplying, and commissioning grid densification infrastructure across the capital. The project is expected to connect thousands of new residential, commercial, and industrial consumers to the grid.
In addition to domestic network upgrades, South Sudan is moving forward with cross-border energy integration projects. These projects aim to import regional generation capacity and stabilize national supply. The South Sudan-Uganda Power Interconnection Project is currently underway, having begun implementation in September 2026. This project is backed by African Development Fund financing, including $121 million for the Ugandan section and $33.66 million for South Sudan.
The South Sudan-Uganda Power Interconnection Project involves constructing a 400-kV transmission line between Olwiyo and Juba. This line is capable of delivering an average annual energy transfer of 624 GWh to over 286,000 citizens. The project will enhance the stability and reliability of South Sudan's power supply by integrating it with Uganda's grid.
The African Development Bank has also approved supplementary funding for the Juba Distribution System Rehabilitation and Expansion Project. This project will construct 357 km of low-voltage lines and 201 transformer stations. It will also facilitate future interconnections with Ethiopia's power grid, further expanding South Sudan's energy access.
The upcoming SSOP 2026 summit will serve as a primary platform for stakeholders to coordinate funding and technology deployment for mid-stream and downstream power assets. The event will feature strategic project showcases and investor roundtables designed to mobilize capital and accelerate execution across the country’s growing energy portfolio.
As South Sudan seeks to scale up its transmission infrastructure, the SSOP 2026 conference will play a crucial role in attracting investment and advancing the country's energy sector. The conference will highlight the progress made so far and the opportunities available for further development.
Key points
- The World Bank-funded ASSIST project aims to connect thousands of new consumers to the grid.
- The South Sudan-Uganda Power Interconnection Project will deliver an average annual energy transfer of 624 GWh.
- The SSOP 2026 summit will coordinate funding and technology deployment for South Sudan's energy sector.
