Zim to learn from South Sudan on oil/gas

Enacy Mapakame-Business Reporter

Energy and Power Development Deputy Minister Magna Mudyiwa says Zimbabwe is looking to South Sudan for support ahead of sizable oil and gas finds expected in the country.

She was speaking at the South Sudan Oil & Power (SSOP) conference in Juba last week where she highlighted the role that South Sudanese expertise will play in supporting the growth of Zimbabwe’s nascent oil and gas market

An in-country exploration campaign is currently underway in Zimbabwe and has revealed encouraging results, with tests having recently confirmed the presence of oil and gas.

According to Deputy Minister Mudyiwa, the country is “inching closer to making a discovery, which will open a new chapter for Zimbabwe, as we will join other producing countries in the region.”

Australian-listed oil and gas company Invictus Energy is currently conducting exploratory work in the Cabora Bassa Basin, with resources having already been confirmed.

Australian firm, Invictus Energy signed an exploration, development and production deal with Zimbabwe in 2018, and exploration started in the Cabora Bassa Basin, which is estimated to hold 20 trillion cubic feet of gas.

The discovery could lead to the country’s first gas production, and under the Government’s agreement with Invictus Energy, it is entitled to as much as 60 percent of the project’s output, which would help offset the energy deficit the country is grappling with.

As a country that relies heavily on refined petroleum product imports, the discovery and development of domestic hydrocarbon resources will significantly aid in achieving energy security while reducing import costs and stabilising supply.

“The prospect is exciting and will positively impact our economy. Should sufficient quantities be expected, this will result in the production of liquid fuels from local resources,” she said.

She added that ahead of anticipated further exploratory success, the country definitely has a lot to learn from South Sudan, which has done a lot of exploration before Zimbabwe.

The two countries already enjoy strong bilateral ties in the education sector, with various programs underway including internships, exchange programs and funding.

However, Deputy Minister Mudyiwa is of the view that cooperation can be strengthened to include training and capacity building in oil and gas, given Zimbabwe’s limitations in oil and gas production, an area where South Sudan is experienced.

“Zimbabwe has identified this area as an important avenue for cooperation. South Sudan is an amazing case study and can offer advice on regulations, structures and law, handling of environmental issues that rise due to oil and gas production, and appropriate technology for optimized oil recovery,” she said.

In this context, the SSOP 2023 summit – organised by Energy Capital & Power – represented a key avenue to foster dialogue and strengthen relations between the two countries.

“As a country, we would like to capitalise on the opportunities offered through participation at this forum,” she said.