South Sudan’s first ever energy and infrastructure conference, which aimed at attracting investment into oil, gas, power and supporting infrastructure brought together 400 delegates including Vice President James Wani Igga and ministers of petroleum, energy, trade, roads, and environment.

CNPC, Petronas, Tullow Oil and national oil company Nilepet and its international joint ventures supported the event as sponsors.

South Sudan’s first ever energy and infrastructure conference, endorsed by the ministry of petroleum and organized by Africa Oil & Power, launched last week and was oversubscribed by 30 percent.

“We were blown away by the attendance and by the level of engagement from participants, which we believe reflects new optimism for South Sudan,” said Guillaume Doane, CEO of Africa Oil & Power.

“This is a country with proven below-ground potential and an increasing commitment to resolving above-ground risks. The international investment community is recognizing that the market is ripe for resurgence,” he added.

Major issues discussed during the event included enhancements to security at northern oilfields, increasing improved and enhanced oil recovery techniques at maturing fields with flagging output and securing financing for power and infrastructure.

 During the conference the governments of South Sudan and Sudan met to discuss strengthening oil trade. The governments of Uganda and South Sudan discussed how to upgrade energy infrastructure in the region.

“I can’t believe what we have accomplished. With Africa Oil & Power, we have started something big,” said Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, South Sudan’s minister of petroleum of South Sudan.

The South Sudanese official emphasized the need to organize such events every year.