South Sudan is taking steps to boost its oil production by offering investors acreage, oilfield contracts, and infrastructure projects. The country’s premier official energy event, South Sudan Oil & Power (SSOP), is set to take place in Juba on 24-25 November 2026. The conference, held in partnership with the Ministry of Petroleum, aims to bring together main players in the industry. This year’s theme is “Resource Renaissance – Energy-Fueled Growth for a New Generation”.
The Ministry of Petroleum has listed 14 open blocks for investors, including A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, B1, B4, C1, C2, D1, D2, E1, and E2. Existing exploration acreage includes B3, 5B, and B2. Investors can access geological and block information through the ministry’s data-viewing and acquisition process. This move is expected to attract investors and increase oil production in the country.
The government is seeking to increase oil production from existing fields, which has created demand for enhanced oil recovery, well intervention, drilling, production optimisation, equipment, and digital technologies. Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC) recently raised production to more than 60,000 barrels per day (bpd) in May 2026. National output was reported at around 174,000 bpd in June. The government has set a short-term target of 230,000 bpd and a longer-term ambition of 450,000 bpd.
The SSOP 2026 conference aims to open a market for oilfield service companies and technology providers working across mature assets. The conference will cover a range of topics, including seismic and subsurface services, artificial lift, production chemicals, maintenance, and field automation. This will provide a platform for companies to meet partners and decision-makers directly.
Infrastructure development is also a key area of focus, with the Ministry of Petroleum seeking investment in pipelines, storage, distribution, and related infrastructure. The 2024 rupture of the Bashayer pipeline, which carries Dar Blend crude, highlighted the importance of resilient transportation and midstream systems. The government is also pursuing additional refining capacity, including projects around Tharjiath and Thiangrial, to increase domestic fuel supply and reduce reliance on imports.
A mini-refinery in Unity State became operational in 2025, as part of the government’s efforts to increase domestic fuel supply. The SSOP conference has previously attracted significant interest, with the 2023 edition drawing more than 600 delegates from 24 countries. The conference resulted in five strategic agreements covering upstream exploration, drilling capacity, mining, and regional energy cooperation.
The 2026 conference is expected to bring together investors and suppliers with the Ministry of Petroleum, Nilepet, operating companies, financiers, project developers, technology providers, and regional energy stakeholders. The event offers a unique opportunity for companies to access decision-makers, local partners, and project investors. Key points include:
Key points
- The Ministry of Petroleum is offering 14 open blocks for investors to boost oil production.
- The government aims to increase oil production to 230,000 bpd in the short-term and 450,000 bpd in the long-term.
- The SSOP 2026 conference will focus on oilfield service companies, technology providers, and infrastructure development.
