(NIMULE) – The European Union funded One Stop Border Post (OSBP) project in Nimule, Eastern Equatoria, is advancing steadily as South Sudan strengthens its position as a regional trade hub. The initiative aims to modernise border operations, facilitate trade with Uganda, and support broader economic growth.
A high level meeting chaired by South Sudan’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Atong Kuol Manyang, recently reviewed progress on the project. Officials from the Ministry of Finance, the South Sudan Revenue Authority, Nimule Municipality, UNOPS, and TradeMark Africa attended the session. Discussions focused on environmental and geophysical studies, architectural validation, and preparation for the project’s next stage.
UNOPS, which is the main recipient of the EU funds, has requested government approval to launch the second phase of construction in March 2026. TradeMark Africa will install prefabricated offices for customs, immigration, and other border agencies and provide software systems to support operations once the project is completed.
The project committee approved these requests, signalling a collaborative approach between the Government of South Sudan, the EU, UNOPS, and other partners. Officials acknowledged the contribution of Governor Louis Lobong Lojore for providing consistent support and security since the project began.
The OSBP is expected to streamline cross border trade, improve customs and immigration efficiency, and enhance security along the South Sudan-Uganda corridor. Through facilitating faster and more reliable movement of goods and people, the initiative could boost revenue collection, support local businesses, and promote investment confidence in Eastern Equatoria.
According to the Nimule mayor’s office, the development aligns with South Sudan’s broader strategy to improve regional trade, strengthen economic links, and diversify sources of revenue. The project also underscores the country’s commitment to creating stable infrastructure that encourages both domestic and foreign investment.
Key OSBP Project Details
| Component | Description | Implementation Phase |
|---|---|---|
| Funding | European Union, approx. 10 million Euros (~71 million SSP / $1.4m) | Ongoing |
| Construction | Prefabricated offices for customs, immigration, and border agencies | Phase 1 complete; Phase 2 starts March 2026 |
| Project Partners | UNOPS (fund recipient), TradeMark Africa (construction & software) | Active |
| Objectives | Facilitate trade, improve border efficiency, enhance security | 2025–2026 |