(JUBA) – The Minister of National Roads and Bridges, Peter Lam Both, has announced a new business focused vision to develop South Sudan’s road infrastructure by 2026, aimed at accelerating trade, improving connectivity and supporting economic growth.
Speaking on the government’s plans, the minister said the strategy will rely on partnerships with experienced international companies that have both technical expertise and financial strength. These companies would finance and build major road projects under agreements backed by South Sudan’s natural resources, including oil, minerals and agricultural products.
Mr Lam said the government is moving away from direct cash payments for road construction, which he described as ineffective for a country with limited fiscal space. “We have to look for international companies with competence and resources to build our roads using guarantees of oil and other resources in exchange for infrastructure,” he said.
He added that financing roads through resource backed agreements would allow projects to move faster and reduce delays linked to budget constraints. “It is not possible to build roads in the country with direct cash payment. This method does not work anywhere in the world,” the minister said. “We believe this approach will help us build roads in the shortest possible time.”
According to the ministry, South Sudan has an estimated 10,000 kilometres of major highways. These roads are seen as critical economic assets that link states to each other and support cross border trade with neighbouring countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Sudan and Ethiopia.
The minister said improving these highways would lower transport costs, reduce travel time and support local businesses, farmers and traders. Better roads are also expected to improve access to markets, ports and border points, which are vital for exports and imports.
As part of the new vision, Mr Lam revealed a proposal to open an escrow account outside South Sudan to manage funds allocated for infrastructure projects. He said this would increase transparency and help attract credible investors and construction firms. “If we are allowed to open an escrow account in which oil money for infrastructure is deposited with a reliable entity, this will attract more investments to the country,” he explained.
According to him, such a mechanism could improve confidence among investors who have often raised concerns about payment risks and governance in large public projects. An escrow system could also help ring fence funds specifically for roads and bridges.
Beyond economic benefits, the minister said road development would also support national unity by connecting communities across the country. He gave the example of a road linking Central Equatoria to Renk in Upper Nile State, noting that physical connections help strengthen social and economic ties. “When the road runs from Central Equatoria to the Renk area of Upper Nile State, it connects people and promotes national integration,” he said.
The Ministry of Roads and Bridges said the new vision is designed to move beyond short term and fragmented projects towards a more sustainable and coordinated infrastructure strategy. By using national resources to unlock private investment, the government hopes to speed up development and create a stronger foundation for long term growth.
If implemented as planned, the strategy could have a significant impact on South Sudan’s business environment, where poor roads remain one of the biggest barriers to investment, trade and service delivery.
Overview of South Sudan road development vision
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Target year | 2026 |
| Estimated major highways | About 10,000 kilometres |
| Financing approach | Resource backed partnerships |
| Key resources | Oil, minerals, agricultural products |
| Expected impact | Trade growth, lower transport costs, national integration |
