(JUBA) – South Sudan’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Atong Kuol Manyang, has travelled to Morocco to take part in a major continental retreat for African ministers responsible for trade. The gathering will take place on 11 December 2025 in Marrakech and will run alongside the second Business Forum of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The event aims to improve how African countries engage in the global trading system. It seeks to strengthen coordination between nations and build a clear, joint approach as the continent prepares for the Fourteenth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization, due in March 2026 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Officials say the Marrakech meeting offers Africa a chance to reinforce its position when dealing with large trade partners. Representatives will discuss areas that heavily affect the continent’s growth, including agriculture reforms, public health concerns, intellectual property, electronic commerce and an effective dispute settlement system.
The talks will also cover new and fast developing areas that influence international markets. These include digital trade opportunities, artificial intelligence, climate change and the resilience of supply chains, which many African states continue to improve.
South Sudan’s delegation is expected to make use of business engagements at the event. There are plans to explore participation in a national exhibition pavilion designed to show what the country can offer in regional export markets. Similar pavilions from other African states will display products and services linked to local economic strengths and investment needs.
Economists say that joining such platforms can help South Sudan promote its agricultural goods, energy potential, and emerging light industries. Increased awareness of national products could support efforts to grow non oil revenue and attract private sector investment.
Below is a simple overview of the key agendas expected at the trade retreat:
| Theme | Expected Focus for Africa |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Fair trade conditions and food security |
| E commerce | Expanding access to digital markets |
| Intellectual Property | Protecting innovation in Africa |
| Public Health | Ensuring affordable essential products |
| Dispute System Reform | Improving fairness at the WTO |