South Sudan on Thursday launched its first-ever Chamber of Energy and Minerals (SSCEM) that will advocate for the effective use of natural resources in the country.
Ambassador Thiik Giir Thiik, Chief Executive Officer of the South Sudan Chamber of Energy and Minerals said they are aiming to be the voice for the energy and mineral sectors in the country.
“From its inception, South Sudan Chamber of Energy and Minerals has truly proved to be the voice of energy and minerals sectors,” Thiik said during the launch at Pyramid Continental Hotel in Juba.
Thiik said the Chamber will advocate for environmental audit in the oil sector.
“It has consistently advocated for policies that promote these vital sectors. Most recently that proactive engagement including supporting the call to enhance local content and environmental audit in the oil sector,” said Thiik.
Ambassador Yohannes Teclemichael, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, said the chamber will serve the interest of the country and facilitate amicable resolutions of industry-related issues.
“South Sudan Chamber of Energy and Mineral’s mission is to present the interests of its members; facilitate an amicable resolution of industry-related issues, and contribute to the growth of the Sector while simultaneously addressing community needs and government regulatory requirements,” said Teclemichael.
He added that the chamber will also act as an incubator for innovative ideas that will push the growth of the vital energy and minerals sector.
“To serve as the industry’s conduit for engagement with Government, host communities, stakeholders and the wider South Sudanese public, and also to act as an incubator for innovative ideas that will ultimately propel the growth of the vital energy and minerals sector,” said Teclemichael.
SSCEM is a non-governmental and non-profit company incorporated in 2018 under the laws of the Republic of South Sudan as a company limited by guarantee and is financially independent, and fully funded by its members and sponsors.
The company deals in the energy and minerals industry and affiliated bodies, such as legal, environment, infrastructure, insurance, health, Telecom, logistics, and financial institutions operating in the country.