(JUBA) – Smart Properties Limited has announced the launch of the Real Estate Summit 2025, a two day event set to take place in Juba on 18 and 19 September. The summit aims to attract international investors and promote South Sudan as a promising location for property development and urban growth.
The event is expected to bring together a mix of global and local participants, including government officials, investors, developers, urban planners and policy experts. Discussions will focus on several key areas such as land reform, affordable and sustainable housing, city planning and strategies to increase foreign direct investment.
Smart Properties Limited was established in April 2022 and offers residential and commercial property management services in the capital. At the launch event on Monday, the company’s Chief Executive Officer Brenda Mutuku said the summit is part of an effort to change the global perception of South Sudan.
“South Sudan has the largest land mass in East Africa and the mighty Nile flows through its capital — these are unmatched natural assets,” Mutuku said. “We are here to show the world that South Sudan is peaceful, open for business and rich with potential.”
She added that the summit is locally driven and aims to encourage dialogue between real estate professionals, the public, and government institutions. “We’re not saying all challenges will be solved in one day,” Mutuku said. “But someone has to start speaking up about the beauty and possibilities in this country.”
Mutuku also pointed to the potential of real estate and construction to create jobs, particularly for engineering graduates who currently face limited employment opportunities.
Louis Kwot Akolith, undersecretary at the Ministry of Lands and Housing, said the summit would demonstrate the government’s commitment to urban development and land policy reform. He noted that the National Land Policy, approved in 2023 by the Council of Ministers, is now awaiting parliamentary ratification.
According to Akolith, a digital land registry is also being developed to help reduce fraud and make transactions more transparent and efficient. He said the government is looking to partner with the private sector on several large-scale housing and infrastructure projects.
These include new residential neighbourhoods in Juba, housing estates for state governors and the development of Ramciel, a planned new national capital.
Savia Aja Silvester, a coordinator at the Land Reform Unit, said legal instruments must accompany policy reforms to be effective. She called for the urgent passing of the Property Act and the Physical Planning Act to support implementation.
“A policy without legal backing remains a book on a shelf,” she said.
George Ritti Richard, director of lands at the ministry, raised concerns over unregulated real estate practices in Juba, particularly involving informal agents and brokers. He called for increased supervision and legal frameworks to protect consumers and maintain professional standards.
Government officials also warned that unplanned expansion, land grabbing and informal settlements are contributing to traffic congestion, poor waste management and pollution in Juba.
Akolith concluded by saying that inclusive and sustainable development will require cooperation across sectors.
“Only through collaboration can we create inclusive, sustainable cities,” he said.
| Key Areas of Focus at Real Estate Summit 2025 |
|---|
| Land policy and legal reform |
| Sustainable and affordable housing |
| Urban planning and zoning |
| Foreign direct investment in real estate |
| Public-private infrastructure partnerships |
| Employment creation in construction sector |
| Digitalisation of land records |
