(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Residents and traders in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State, have welcomed a new agreement between the government of South Sudan and Djibouti to build a dry port in Yei, a move seen as a potential boost for business and trade in the country.
The agreement was signed on 18 August 2025 in Djibouti City by South Sudan’s Minister of Transport, Dr Lam Akol Ajawin, and Djibouti’s Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Moussa Ahmed Hassan.
The dry port is expected to serve as a key centre for imports and exports. According to government officials, the facility will reduce transport costs, save time and make it easier for farmers, traders and logistics companies to move goods across South Sudan and beyond.
Prominent Yei businessman Bosco Joseph said the project is a major step for economic growth. “Yei is very strategic. Once this port is implemented, it will drive development not only in Yei but across South Sudan. Its borders with Uganda and DR Congo make it the right location for trade expansion,” he said.
Local residents echoed the call for quick implementation. Trader Samson Diliga said people fear the project could face delays or be diverted elsewhere. “Our leaders are good at making promises but slow to deliver. We want this port built here in Yei. It should not be shifted to another state,” he said.
Another businessman, Malish Desmond, noted that despite its advantages, Yei still lacks fuel depots that could generate strong revenue through exports to Uganda and DR Congo. “If the government had a clear business plan, Yei would already be supplying fuel to neighbouring countries. At present, traders from DR Congo, Central Africa and Uganda travel long distances to Kenya for petroleum products. A dry port here would solve many of these gaps,” he said.
The deal also covers the construction and rehabilitation of river ports in Malakal, Renk, Nasir, Adok, Shambe, Bor and Juba. These projects are expected to link South Sudan more closely with regional markets and strengthen ties with the African Great Lakes region.
According to the Ministry of Transport, South Sudan will draw on Djibouti’s long experience in port management. Djibouti already serves as a gateway for many landlocked African countries and is expected to provide technical expertise and training.
For Yei River County, the dry port is expected to create jobs, attract new investment and expand business opportunities for farmers and traders. Improved logistics will also make it easier for humanitarian supplies and essential goods to reach communities quickly.
The government has not yet announced when construction will begin or the estimated cost of the project.
