(Juba) – South Sudan has the potential to earn up to $300 million annually from fish exports, according to a new report by the World Bank. The report highlights the country’s vast inland water systems and floodplains, including the Sudd Wetland, as some of the most productive fishery zones in the world. However, it also warns that poor handling, preservation issues, and weak regulations are causing significant losses.
The World Bank report, launched in Juba during a Natural Resources Review event, estimates that South Sudan catches about 300,000 tonnes of fish per year. If properly processed and exported, this quantity could generate around $300 million (about 495 billion South Sudanese Pounds at current exchange rates of 1 USD = 1,650 SSP) in income, mainly from trade with East African Community (EAC) member countries.
Stephen Ling, Lead Environment Specialist at the World Bank, said South Sudan’s floodplains provide one of the world’s most promising environments for freshwater fisheries. He explained that seasonal wetlands like the Sudd are especially productive because the receding and returning waters create conditions that boost aquatic food chains.
Ling noted that South Sudan’s floodplain area, which used to cover around 40,000 square kilometres annually, has recently expanded to more than 100,000 hectares. This could potentially support sustainable catches of up to one million tonnes of fish per year, provided management practices improve.
Despite this opportunity, the report reveals that a significant share of fish is lost before reaching consumers. Ling said poor handling at landing sites, inadequate market infrastructure, inefficient transportation, and the impact of numerous security checkpoints are all major contributing factors.
The report estimates that 14% of the fish catch is physically damaged during handling, while another 24% spoils before it reaches the market. This leads to a situation where two-thirds of the potential value of the fresh fish is lost within South Sudan before export opportunities can even be pursued.
A large number of fishermen and traders rely on traditional preservation methods such as sun-drying and salting. These techniques, while practical in areas without refrigeration, often result in nearly 50% of the fish being lost during the process. Ling stressed that these methods do not add value and instead reduce the quality and marketability of the fish.
The report estimates that tens of millions of US dollars are lost every year across the fisheries value chain in South Sudan. To address this, the World Bank recommends improvements in fish preservation, transport infrastructure, and policy frameworks. Expanding value chains, easing tax burdens, and updating trade regulations are seen as crucial steps toward turning fisheries into a reliable source of national revenue.
To realise the sector’s full potential, the report proposes an initial investment of $10–20 million (16.5–33 billion SSP) over five years. This funding would support reforms such as updating the Fisheries Bill, developing a sector-wide action plan, and building institutional and community capacity.
An additional $20–30 million (33–49.5 billion SSP) would be required for projects aimed at value addition, conducting market surveys, and improving policies and logistics for export markets. These efforts would help reduce waste and improve competitiveness in both regional and international fish markets.
Meschack Malo, South Sudan Country Representative for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), also emphasised the fisheries sector’s potential to create jobs for youth, women, and girls. He said the number of trucks transporting fish from areas such as Terekeka and Pabior to Juba has increased significantly over the past five years, currently ranging between 20 and 30 trucks daily.
Malo encouraged communities in flood-prone areas like Bentiu in Unity State to harness seasonal floods for fish harvesting and build their market reach. He pointed out that current preservation methods like drying and smoking can reduce fish value by up to 90%, making modern cold chain systems and air transport more vital.
He also called on the government to remove over 90 security checkpoints along fish routes from Bor and Terekeka to Juba. These checkpoints not only delay transport but also contribute to spoilage and raise prices. Each checkpoint adds an estimated $10 to the final cost of fish, making it less competitive.
The World Bank recommends that South Sudan establish national laboratories and regulatory bodies to improve fish quality and safety. It also suggests speeding up customs processes at borders by strengthening bilateral and regional trade deals, especially with Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan, where South Sudanese fish is already traded.
Experts agree that with strategic investment, streamlined trade procedures, and modern preservation methods, South Sudan’s fisheries sector could significantly boost the economy while also improving food security and employment for local communities.