(JUBA) – The South Sudan Revenue Authority has launched a new training workshop aimed at improving border efficiency and boosting regional trade through the Authorized Economic Operator programme.
Commissioner General Simon Akuei Deng opened the week long event at the authority headquarters in Juba on 29 September 2025. The workshop is backed by the East African Community Secretariat and TradeMark Africa.
The programme is designed to prepare South Sudan to join the regional system used across EAC countries where trusted traders are given faster clearance at border points. Companies that meet basic compliance and safety standards can be certified, reducing delays and paperwork.
Mr Deng told participants that South Sudan cannot grow its economy without smooth trade with neighbouring countries. He said customs officials and private companies must work closely to reduce barriers that make it costly to move goods.
He added that the AEO scheme would help protect supply chains by allowing authorities to focus inspections on high risk shipments rather than stopping every truck at the border.
South Sudan joined the East African Community in 2016 but has struggled to adopt the full customs systems used by other member states. Traders often complain of long waiting times at Nimule, Nadapal and Kaya border points, which increases the cost of transporting goods.
According to TradeMark Africa, delays at border posts across the region can add between two and five days to delivery time, costing businesses money in fuel, storage and labour.
The Commissioner General said the AEO programme is one of several reforms being introduced to reduce such losses and create a more friendly environment for trade and investment.
Business owners attending the workshop said they welcome the initiative but want clear information on how companies can qualify for certification.
Trade experts say that if South Sudan fully adopts the trusted operator model, it could lower food and fuel prices by cutting transport costs.
The Revenue Authority plans to continue consultations across different states to ensure the private sector is fully engaged in the process.
Officials say that once a few companies are certified and prove the benefits, more traders will be encouraged to register, helping South Sudan build a reputation as a reliable trading partner in the region.
TradeMark Africa Supports Customs Transformation in Juba
| Key Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Readiness Assessment Workshop |
| Host | South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) |
| Location | Juba, South Sudan |
| Date | 29 September 2025 |
| Lead Official | Commissioner General Simon Akuei Deng |
| Support Partners | East African Community (EAC) Secretariat, TradeMark Africa (TMA) |
| Main Objective | Prepare South Sudan to implement AEO system for faster border clearance |
| Target Beneficiaries | Customs officials and private sector traders |
| Expected Impact | Reduced waiting times at borders and lower transport costs |
| Current Trade Issue | Long delays at key border points such as Nimule, Nadapal and Kaya |
