(MARRAKECH) – South Sudan has renewed its commitment to regional trade integration during the AfCFTA Business Forum in Morocco, where senior officials called for stronger cooperation among African states and greater engagement from the private sector. The Minister of Trade and Industry, Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk, said South Sudan views the African Continental Free Trade Area as a key driver of economic diversification, job creation and long term development.
Speaking on behalf of the Government of South Sudan, the minister conveyed warm greetings from President Salva Kiir Mayardit and thanked the Kingdom of Morocco for hosting the forum. She described Marrakech as a suitable venue for discussions that focus on closer African cooperation in trade, investment and regional value chains.
The minister said the theme for the 2025 forum, which calls for faster and more effective implementation of the AfCFTA, aligns with the aspirations of African governments that seek greater political commitment to unlock new economic prospects. She said the forum has become an important continental platform that brings together policy makers, businesses and development partners.
During her remarks, the minister stressed that governments have built the AfCFTA framework, but the private sector must take leadership in driving trade across borders. She encouraged business groups, especially those led by women and young people, to take advantage of the growing continental market and to explore partnerships that support innovation and enterprise growth.
According to the minister, 47 out of 54 African Union member states have already ratified the AfCFTA Agreement, a development she described as encouraging. She said the next steps require customs authorities across the continent to complete outstanding technical procedures so that businesses can enjoy smoother trade movement. She added that Africa must strengthen trade resilience as global disruptions continue to affect supply chains and market access.
The minister urged small and medium enterprises across Africa to position themselves well and look at ways of integrating into regional and continental value chains. She said their growth is essential for Africa’s broader economic transformation. She called on entrepreneurs to expand their networks, identify new markets and use the AfCFTA as a platform to contribute to continental economic progress.
She said South Sudan is working on inclusive national trade policies, a National Export and Investment Strategy and new reforms that will boost institutional capacity. The government is also aligning its AfCFTA preparations with ongoing World Trade Organisation accession processes. The minister explained that these efforts aim to diversify the economy beyond oil and unlock opportunities in agriculture, services and regional value chains.
Although South Sudan signed the AfCFTA Agreement several years ago, the minister confirmed that the ratification process is still ongoing. She said national institutions are working together to complete the required steps. She added that the country has not been idle during this period and is carrying out policy alignment, legal reviews and institutional reforms so that it is fully prepared once ratification is finalised.
The minister also expressed gratitude to King Mohammed VI of Morocco for continued support to South Sudan. She noted the King’s State Visit to South Sudan in 2017 and his government’s annual offer of one hundred fifty scholarships to South Sudanese students, which she said plays an important role in building the country’s human capital.
Below is a simple table summarising key points raised by South Sudan at the forum:
| Key Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| AfCFTA status | South Sudan signed, ratification process ongoing |
| National reforms | Legal reviews, policy alignment, institutional strengthening |
| Priority sectors | Agriculture, services, regional value chains |
| Continental context | Forty seven African Union states have ratified the AfCFTA |
| Call to action | Private sector, especially youth and women, urged to lead trade expansion |