(JUBA) – The Government of South Sudan, through its Ministry of Trade and Industry, has held a strategic meeting with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to explore collaborative ways of improving the country’s trade systems, with particular focus on trade facilitation, industrial growth and regional market access.
The meeting took place on 18 July 2025 in Juba and was led by the National Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk. It focused on strengthening ongoing partnerships and identifying critical strategies to boost South Sudan’s economic integration with its neighbours.
High on the agenda was the “Trade and Trade Facilitation” project, a joint initiative supported by UNOPS and the European Union (EU). The Minister underlined the importance of this partnership in helping South Sudan address systemic challenges in trade logistics, capacity gaps, and institutional coordination.
Minister Atong Kuol welcomed the continued support from international partners, noting that such collaboration is essential for unlocking the country’s economic potential. She stressed the importance of building human and institutional capacity, offering technical assistance, and ensuring that trade-related initiatives are well coordinated and effectively implemented.
UNOPS was represented by Mrs Grace and Eng. Komakech, who reiterated the agency’s commitment to working closely with South Sudan’s government. They noted that the planned development of a modern market in Nimule, South Sudan’s key border town with Uganda, would play a significant role in enhancing trade flows and regional connectivity.
The proposed Nimule market project is seen as a gateway initiative to improve cross-border commerce, benefiting traders, local producers, and consumers by streamlining trade operations and reducing bottlenecks. It will also support the national goal of increasing formal trade volumes and reducing reliance on informal or unregulated exchanges.
As one of the busiest trade entry points in South Sudan, Nimule serves as a strategic location for broader regional integration. The market upgrade would include infrastructure development, improved logistics services, and facilities that enable easier compliance with trade standards and customs regulations.
According to the Ministry, the broader objective of these engagements is to support South Sudan in addressing its trade imbalance, stimulate industrialisation, and strengthen domestic production capacity. The country currently imports more than it exports, leading to a persistent trade deficit.
Trade Balance and Strategic Goals
| Focus Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Trade Facilitation | Streamlining border procedures and reducing barriers |
| Industrialisation | Developing local industries to reduce import reliance |
| Capacity Building | Training officials and institutions for improved trade management |
| Market Development | Constructing new trade hubs, including the Nimule cross-border market |
| Regional Integration | Linking South Sudan’s economy to neighbouring markets and transport routes |
The Ministry and UNOPS both committed to continued collaboration, with plans to expand such trade related projects to other major border points across the country. These efforts are expected to enhance South Sudan’s competitiveness and help integrate it more effectively into the East African and global economy.
With technical support and funding from partners like the EU and UNOPS, South Sudan hopes to address the infrastructure, regulatory, and institutional weaknesses that have historically held back trade progress. The successful implementation of these projects would support long term economic growth and job creation.
While the meeting concluded without a specific project timeline, both parties expressed confidence in moving forward with urgency and coordination.
The Ministry also encouraged the private sector and local communities to engage in upcoming trade facilitation programmes, as inclusive participation will be vital for long term success.