South Sudan holds workshop to validate energy transition strategy

JUBA – The South Sudan government, in collaboration with its partners, convened a one-day stakeholder workshop on Thursday to review and validate South Sudan’s Energy Transition Strategy, focusing on the extractive sector.

During the workshop’s opening, Dr. Cosmas Pitia Kujjo, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Mining, emphasized that the meeting aimed to validate the strategy document prepared by consultants.

“We are here to assess the deliverables from the consultancy work,” he stated.

Cosmas elaborated that energy transition means “moving away from fossil fuels towards electricity and renewable sources, including wind and solar.” He highlighted the pivotal role the energy transition will play in South Sudan’s development, noting that energy is essential for sustainable growth.

Emmanuel Michael, Project Coordinator for the Institutional Support Project for Strengthening Economic Governance in South Sudan, praised the strategy’s development, underscoring its significance for the country’s advancement.

“The process, including the recruitment of the consulting firm, was complex but rewarding. This milestone would not have been possible without the technical expertise and the support of the African Development Bank (ADB),” Michael said.

He urged citizens to stay engaged with the government’s efforts. “This achievement is not just for the Ministry of Mining; it’s for the entire country,” he noted, stressing the need for active stakeholder involvement in finalizing the strategy and the importance of implementing recommendations effectively while adapting to evolving circumstances.

David Thiang, representing the African Development Bank, emphasized the critical importance of South Sudan’s shift to renewable energy, referencing Ethiopia’s efforts to phase out fossil fuels as a positive regional example.

“It’s crucial that we embrace the global shift towards cleaner energy,” Thiang said, commending the quality of consultancy provided by Nalule Energy and Minerals Consulting, which brought extensive experience from across Africa to the project.

Thiang reiterated the African Development Bank’s broader commitment to South Sudan, extending support beyond energy to include mineral extraction and other sectors. “The energy transition is one part of our broader commitment to South Sudan’s development,” he stated.

He also urged the Ministry of Mining to actively attract investment to support the strategy’s implementation and called for stronger cooperation between the Ministry of Mining and the Ministry of Petroleum. “Both sectors share responsibility in the energy transition,” Thiang added.

The validation process for the strategic energy transition plan was conducted by Nalule Energy and Minerals Consulting, with sponsorship from the African Development Bank.