(NAIROBI) – Senior Presidential Envoy Adut Kiir has urged African nations and international partners to strengthen regional cooperation and technology sharing to help South Sudan build resilience against flooding and improve food security.
Speaking during her visit to the 2025 Africa International Agricultural Expo (AIAE) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Adut said South Sudan must embrace innovation and regional collaboration to overcome the recurring challenges of floods and low agricultural productivity.
The envoy said modern agricultural technologies, such as smart irrigation systems, mechanised farming tools, and climate resilient seed varieties, could transform the country’s agricultural sector if adopted widely. She added that partnerships with neighbouring countries and development partners were key to helping South Sudan move towards food self sufficiency.
“Some of the machines I have seen here could play a critical role in addressing the challenges our farmers face during the rainy season,” Adut said while inspecting various exhibition stalls. “Many parts of South Sudan are affected by floods, but such innovations could help ensure that food production and rural transport continue even in difficult seasons.”
The Africa International Agricultural Expo is an annual event that brings together government officials, investors, innovators, and development partners from across Africa and Asia. It aims to promote cooperation in agricultural technology, investment, and sustainable food systems. This year’s edition focuses on integrating modern solutions into Africa’s farming sector under the theme “Gathering Global Agricultural Wisdom, Promoting African Agriculture.”
| Event Overview (2025 AIAE) | Details |
|---|---|
| Host venue | Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi |
| Theme | “Gathering Global Agricultural Wisdom, Promoting African Agriculture” |
| Key participants | African governments, Chinese agricultural firms, private investors |
| Main focus | Smart irrigation, mechanisation, climate-resilient farming |
| South Sudan’s interest | Flood control, food security, rural mobility |
Adut noted that President Salva Kiir has made agricultural transformation a central pillar of South Sudan’s economic agenda. She said the government is prioritising rural development, self reliance in food production, and technology-driven farming as pathways to sustainable growth.
She also expressed optimism that the Africa International Agricultural Expo model could be replicated in South Sudan to provide a platform for local farmers and agribusinesses to access modern technologies and partnerships.
“We want South Sudan to be part of these regional conversations not just as participants, but as contributors to Africa’s agricultural progress,” she said.
Experts say regional agricultural collaboration could provide South Sudan with access to affordable technology, knowledge transfer, and improved trade opportunities. With most rural communities depending on subsistence farming, innovations such as solar powered irrigation and flood resistant crop varieties could reduce losses caused by unpredictable weather.
South Sudan continues to face challenges of food insecurity, with recent floods displacing thousands of farmers and destroying large portions of farmland. Development agencies estimate that millions of people remain dependent on food aid, underscoring the need for investment in local agricultural systems.
The envoy said she hopes that future editions of the event will include more South Sudanese farmers, entrepreneurs, and cooperatives showcasing their potential and learning from regional peers.