(ADDIS ABABA) – The Ministry of Roads and Bridges has taken further steps to advance a major regional road project that is expected to strengthen trade routes between South Sudan, Ethiopia and Djibouti. Senior officials from the ministry have been in Addis Ababa this week for meetings, approvals and regional transport agreements linked to the proposed 320 kilometre Pagak to Palouch road.
The Undersecretary in the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, John Khot Chol Deng, confirmed that the Ethiopian Roads Administration has issued a no objection letter for the procurement of consultancy services for feasibility studies and concept design. These studies will guide the construction of the full route, which will run from Pagak through Mathiang and Maiwut to Palouch. Work is expected to begin in early 2026 once the preparatory stages are completed.
Mr Khot said the project, once finished, will give South Sudan direct access to Djibouti Port through Ethiopian territory. This trade route is of growing importance to South Sudan’s economy, as it offers an alternative corridor for imports and exports that can support the country’s oil, construction and agriculture sectors.
Officials described the joint project as a shared effort between the Ethiopian Roads Administration and the South Sudan Roads Authority. The Director General of the Ethiopian Roads Administration, Mohammed Abdurrahman, said the road will serve as a symbol of economic cooperation between Addis Ababa and Juba, and will support growth in both countries.
The Executive Director of the South Sudan Roads Authority, Kose James Wani Igga, said engineers from both sides will take part in a capacity building programme supported by Ethiopia. He said the programme will help strengthen technical skills as South Sudan continues to invest in major infrastructure works.
In a separate meeting, the National Minister of Roads and Bridges, Simon Mijok Mijak, is also in Addis Ababa for the signing ceremony that will establish the Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Uganda (DESSU) Corridor Authority. This regional body is expected to guide policy, cooperation and standards for the wider transport network linking the four countries.
While in Addis Ababa, Minister Mijok is also holding further discussions with Ethiopian officials on the Pagak to Palouch road project as part of South Sudan’s broader plan to connect to regional trade corridors.
South Sudan Moves Ahead With Ethiopia on Major Road Link to Djibouti
| Summary | |
|---|---|
| Location | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
| Main Development | Ethiopia issues no objection letter for feasibility studies of the 320 km Pagak to Palouch road |
| Road Length | 320 km |
| Route | Pagak – Mathiang – Maiwut – Palouch |
| South Sudan Officials | Minister Simon Mijok Mijak; Undersecretary John Khot Chol Deng; Executive Director Kose James Wani Igga |
| Ethiopian Officials | Director General Mohammed Abdurrahman |
| Project Partners | Ethiopian Roads Administration and South Sudan Roads Authority |
| Expected Construction Start | Early 2026 |
| Key Outcome | Road will give South Sudan access to Djibouti Port through Ethiopia |
| Regional Event | Signing of Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Uganda (DESSU) Corridor Authority |
| Capacity Building | Ethiopian Roads Administration to support training for South Sudanese engineers |