(JUBA) – The Ministry of Trade and Industry has announced its full support for the upcoming National Agro-Food Trade Fair, scheduled to take place in January 2026. The exhibition is expected to provide South Sudanese farmers and producers with a vital platform to promote their agricultural products and strengthen links to both domestic and external markets.
The announcement followed a meeting held in Juba on 19 August 2025 between Hon Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk, the National Minister of Trade and Industry and representatives of the Orient Group, who are the main organisers of the event.
Also present were senior officials from the ministry, including Undersecretary Hon Ustaz Yel Luol, the Director General of External Trade, the Director General of Trade Fairs and Exhibitions, and the Director General of Domestic Trade.
The Orient Group presented their plans for the exhibition, which will bring together participants from all ten states and the three administrative areas. The aim is to make the trade fair a truly national event that highlights the diversity of South Sudan’s agricultural sector.
Minister Atong Kuol Manyang welcomed the proposal and underlined its importance to the country’s economy. She said agriculture and trade remain central to South Sudan’s growth and that initiatives like this will play a key role in promoting food production, processing and distribution.
She assured the organisers that the Ministry of Trade and Industry will act as a major partner in the project and will work closely with them to ensure the success of the fair.
“This trade fair is an opportunity to show the strength of our agricultural sector and to provide farmers with access to markets at both national and international levels,” she said.
The trade fair is expected to attract farmers, cooperatives, food processors, traders, investors and development partners. It will also serve as a forum for discussions on improving food security, building value chains and promoting regional trade integration.
The event comes at a time when South Sudan is seeking to boost non-oil revenue and diversify its economy. Agriculture is widely seen as one of the main sectors that can drive sustainable development, with vast fertile land still underutilised.
Trade Ministry and Orient Group Plan National Agro-Food Exhibition
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | National Agro-Food Trade Fair |
| Date | January 2026 |
| Location | Juba, South Sudan |
| Main Organiser | Orient Group |
| Lead Partner | Ministry of Trade and Industry |
| Minister’s Statement | Agriculture and trade are central to South Sudan’s economic prosperity |
| Participation | Farmers, cooperatives, traders, investors, and all 10 states plus 3 administrative areas |
| Purpose | Showcase agricultural products, promote trade, support food security |
| National Priority | Diversify economy, boost non-oil revenue, strengthen agricultural sector |
