South Sudan and Saudi Arabia have signed a wide-ranging trade agreement aimed at deepening economic cooperation and advancing major infrastructure projects, following the visit of South Sudan’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Atong Kuol Manyang, to Riyadh.
The Ministry of Trade said the deal was finalized during a high-level meeting between Minister Atong and the Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, describing the discussions as ‘particularly productive.’
The agreement sets out a comprehensive roadmap to expand bilateral trade, attract investment, and strengthen cooperation across industry and commerce.
It builds on the 2022 General Cooperation Agreement, which established a broad foundation for collaboration in trade, investment, agriculture, infrastructure, and industrial development.
Officials say the renewed partnership, reinforced by institutional coordination and technical support, increases confidence that new projects will be implemented effectively.
A series of large-scale initiatives were endorsed, including the development of a dry port to reduce import costs and improve trade efficiency, an integrated industrial park to support manufacturing and value addition, and a free-market zone designed to simplify regulations, encourage exports, and attract investors. The Ministry highlighted the three priority projects:
- Dry Port: A key facility expected to streamline imports and reduce logistical expenses.
- Industrial Park: A manufacturing hub aimed at job creation and local value addition.
- Free Market Zone: A designated area offering incentives and simplified procedures to boost exports.
The ministers also agreed to update an earlier Memorandum of Understanding on trade cooperation to reflect South Sudan’s changing economic ambitions.
During her meetings in Riyadh and at other international forums, including the UN Industrial Development Organization summit and the Least Developed Countries Conference, Minister Atong promoted South Sudan as a rising destination for investment, industrial growth, and regional integration.
Government officials say her outreach marks a significant step in advancing the country’s industrialization goals and strengthening global partnerships.
Juba–Riyadh cooperation
The 2022 General Cooperation Agreement, comprising nine articles, laid the groundwork for long-term collaboration across key sectors, including industry, petroleum, minerals, agriculture, livestock, tourism, trade, health, and infrastructure.
It called for joint ventures, technical cooperation, knowledge exchange, and investment partnerships, supported by joint technical committees to coordinate implementation.
Saudi Arabia has shown increasing interest in South Sudan, with both government entities and private investors exploring opportunities in agriculture, infrastructure development, and free economic zones.
Some Saudi business leaders see South Sudan as a strategic gateway for expanding economic ties across African markets, a view reinforced by the newly signed trade agreement.
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