UAE–South Sudan Agricultural Cooperation: Promise for a Regional Breadbasket
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and South Sudan are exploring cooperation in sustainable development, particularly in agriculture and irrigation systems. Similar models of collaboration have been seen between the UAE and Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, where agriculture and water management are key priorities.
Context of UAE–South Sudan Cooperation
Diplomatic background
The UAE and South Sudan established formal diplomatic ties in the early 2010s, shortly after South Sudan gained independence in 2011. Since then, the UAE has positioned itself as a key development partner in Africa through investments, humanitarian aid, and infrastructure projects.
Strategic motivation
For the UAE, the goal is to strengthen its influence in East Africa, secure agricultural investment opportunities, diversify food security sources, and build alliances in resource rich regions. For South Sudan, the focus is on attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), modernising agriculture and gaining access to advanced technologies and capital.
Sustainable Development Focus Areas
A. Agriculture and Irrigation Systems
South Sudan’s fertile land remains largely underutilised due to outdated farming techniques and poor infrastructure. Modern irrigation is vital to balance seasonal rains with periods of drought.
Potential UAE contributions include:
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High-tech irrigation systems such as drip and pivot irrigation.
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Mechanised farming equipment and farmer training.
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Support for agro-processing facilities to increase value-added exports.
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Knowledge transfer, applying lessons from desert agriculture in the Emirates to savanna and floodplain farming in South Sudan.
B. Renewable Energy
Solar powered irrigation pumps and rural mini-grids could support farms across the country. The UAE’s experience with large scale solar farms and green energy financing can offer valuable guidance.
C. Infrastructure for Trade
South Sudan could benefit from storage facilities, transport corridors, and digital marketplaces for agriculture. UAE logistics firms, such as DP World, already active in Africa, could provide crucial support to help South Sudan export its produce.
Regional Model for Cooperation
The UAE has developed similar cooperation frameworks with other nations:
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Israel: Joint research on desert farming and agri-tech start-ups.
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Saudi Arabia: Large-scale agricultural investment funds in Africa.
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Kuwait: Grants focused on agriculture and water management in developing countries.
Lesson for South Sudan
South Sudan can develop scalable, sustainable farming solutions by leveraging the UAE’s multi-country expertise. A triangular cooperation approach, for example UAE–South Sudan–Israel technology sharing, could also be considered.
Potential Benefits for South Sudan
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Improved food security and increased export revenues.
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Job creation, particularly in rural areas.
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Reduced reliance on rain-fed agriculture.
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Greater resilience to the effects of climate change.
Key Considerations
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Land lease agreements must respect the rights of local communities.
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Environmental safeguards should be in place to prevent over-extraction of water.
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Political stability will be vital for long-term investment.
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A skilled workforce must be developed to operate advanced equipment.
If both nations commit to a strategic partnership combining UAE’s capital and technology with South Sudan’s natural resources, agriculture could become a pillar of sustainable development. South Sudan could transform into a regional breadbasket, benefiting its own people while contributing to the UAE’s food security strategy by integrating renewable energy, efficient water use and improved market access,
A clear roadmap for the next ten years with milestones on irrigation, equipment deployment, and trade corridors would make the cooperation plan easier to present to stakeholders and international partners.
Malek Deng Arop is a South Sudanese writer and analyst.
