(KAMPALA) – Uganda’s record export performance in 2025 is having direct implications for South Sudan, one of its key regional trading partners and an important destination for Ugandan goods. Uganda’s total exports reached 46 trillion Uganda shillings, equal to about 12.7 billion United States dollars. At the current market exchange rate, this is equivalent to about 90.2 trillion South Sudan pounds. This marked a 33 percent increase from the previous year, when exports stood at 30 trillion Uganda shillings, or 8.5 billion dollars, equal to roughly 60.4 trillion South Sudan pounds.
For South Sudan, where a significant share of food and manufactured goods is imported from Uganda, the growth signals continued stability in cross border supply. Ugandan exports play a central role in South Sudan’s markets, particularly in staples such as maize and beans, as well as sugar, processed milk, and steel products used in construction and trade.
Figures from the Bank of Uganda show that gold and coffee were the main drivers of Uganda’s export growth. Gold exports earned about 5.8 billion dollars, equivalent to around 41.2 trillion South Sudan pounds. This was up from 3.3 billion dollars, or about 23.4 trillion South Sudan pounds, in the previous year. Although most of the gold is destined for global markets, the increased foreign exchange inflows support regional trade financing, including transactions with South Sudan.
Uganda’s rise as a regional gold processing centre has been supported by the presence of refineries and favourable policies. The country imports raw gold from neighbouring states, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, which also shares borders and trade routes with South Sudan. This interconnected trade network has indirect effects on South Sudan’s transport corridors, logistics services, and informal cross border trade.
Bank of Uganda data shows that Uganda exported 8,298 kilogrammes of gold in October, more than double the 3,765 kilogrammes exported in September. The increase reflects higher volumes rather than price effects alone, indicating stronger formal trade activity within the region.
Coffee exports also recorded strong growth, with Uganda earning about 2.4 billion dollars, equal to around 17.0 trillion South Sudan pounds. This was a 40 percent increase from the previous year’s 1.5 billion dollars, or about 10.7 trillion South Sudan pounds. While coffee is not a major import for South Sudan, the sector’s performance strengthens Uganda’s overall export earnings, supporting the stability of trade flows with neighbouring countries.
According to Adam Mugume, director of research at the Bank of Uganda, the country’s economy has remained resilient despite global uncertainty. He attributed this to steady monetary policy and strong export proceeds from sectors such as coffee, gold, cocoa, sugar, fruits, and vegetables, alongside inflows from investment, remittances, and tourism. For South Sudan traders, this resilience reduces the risk of supply disruptions from their main regional supplier.
Uganda’s main export destinations include the United Arab Emirates for gold and Italy for coffee, alongside regional markets such as Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan. South Sudan remains a consistent buyer of Ugandan agricultural produce and manufactured goods, making it an important part of Uganda’s regional trade profile.
| Key Uganda Exports Relevant to South Sudan | Value USD | Equivalent in SSP |
|---|---|---|
| Total Exports | 12.7 billion | 90.2 trillion |
| Gold | 5.8 billion | 41.2 trillion |
| Coffee | 2.4 billion | 17.0 trillion |
Trade analysts say Uganda’s strategic location within East Africa supports its role as a supply hub for South Sudan. Efficient road links and established trading relationships have allowed goods to move quickly across borders, supporting food availability and price stability in South Sudan’s major towns.
Despite challenges such as policy debates in the coffee sector and global market pressures, Uganda’s exporters have continued to adapt. Experts note that continued investment in infrastructure, agriculture, and industry will be important for sustaining growth. For South Sudan, these developments are closely watched, as they influence import volumes, prices, and overall market stability.