Kajo-Keji Cement Project Attracts $560 Million Investment in South Sudan’s Construction Sector

(KAJO-KEJI COUNTY) – The Government of Central Equatoria State has approved a major investment worth 560 million US dollars (about 3.976 trillion South Sudanese Pounds) for the establishment of a cement and steel rebar production plant in Kajo-Keji County, marking one of the largest industrial projects in South Sudan’s construction and manufacturing sectors.

The project, to be implemented by Global Trading Commodities Group (GTC), was approved in early October during an extraordinary Council of Ministers meeting chaired by Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, the Governor of Central Equatoria State. The proposal was tabled by Stephen Lado Onesimo, the State Minister of Trade and Industry.

According to Patrick Nyarsuk, the Minister of Information and Communication, GTC is an international investment company engaged in mining, infrastructure development, and project financing. The firm plans to set up both cement and steel rebar production lines, which would be the first major facilities of their kind in South Sudan.

The proposed factory is expected to produce 300 metric tonnes of cement daily, equivalent to about one million tonnes annually, significantly reducing the country’s dependence on imported cement. Currently, most construction materials in South Sudan are imported from Uganda and Kenya, which increases building costs and delays project completion timelines.

Nyarsuk said the initiative represents a “historic step” towards expanding South Sudan’s industrial base, adding that it will create jobs, improve local infrastructure, and enhance domestic production capacity.

The State Cabinet has instructed the Ministry of Trade and Industry to ensure that GTC implements its corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitments. These include the construction of the Juba–Kajo-Keji road, rehabilitation of internal county roads, and the establishment of fixed and mobile health centres.

Nyarsuk added that the Ministry of Trade and Industry will cooperate with the Ministry of Investment and the Ministry of Mining at the national level to ensure that the project meets all industrial and environmental standards.

He said the State Government continues to encourage both local and foreign investors to explore opportunities across Central Equatoria, citing stability, natural resources, and improved business policies as key drivers of growth.

Local residents have welcomed the investment but urged the government and the investor to prioritise inclusion and transparency. Modi Alex, a resident of Kangapo Two Payam, said local participation will be vital for the success of the project.

“This project is good, but the people of Kajo-Keji must be part of it. Our natural resources should benefit us directly, not just outsiders,” he said.

Julius Malish, a youth from Wudu Town, thanked the government for introducing a tangible development initiative.

“We hope this will not remain just talk. The youth should be trained and employed so that this factory benefits the community,” he said.

Another resident, Chaplain Taban from Mere, said communities expect more than promises.

“We want jobs, better roads, schools, health centres, and clean water sources. This is what development should look like,” he said.

Kajo-Keji County, which borders Uganda, is rich in untapped mineral resources including limestone and iron ore — key raw materials for cement and steel production. However, insecurity, poor infrastructure, and limited investment have slowed industrial progress in the region for years.

If successful, the GTC project could help position South Sudan as a regional supplier of cement and construction materials, while reducing its trade deficit and creating local employment opportunities.

GTC to Build South Sudan’s First Cement and Steel Plant