(JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN) – South Sudan and Ethiopia have agreed to strengthen trade and economic cooperation through the construction and improvement of border trade routes.
The commitment came during a meeting in Juba on Tuesday between the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Labanya Margret Mathya, and the Ethiopian Ambassador to South Sudan, Delil Kedir Bushra.
The talks centred on building and upgrading trade routes across the shared border. The aim is to ease the movement of goods and boost cross border commerce.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deepening bilateral trade cooperation.
The Ethiopian Ambassador welcomed the initiative. He pointed to the need to strengthen existing trade agreements between the two nations. He also called for a review of the implementation of African trade agreements to make the most of regional opportunities.
Both sides agreed on the importance of setting up effective ways to advance bilateral relations and promote sustainable economic growth for the benefit of both countries.
The meeting forms part of a series of recent engagements by the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Earlier, Dr Labanya held a courtesy meeting with the Minister of Labour, Anthony Lino Makana. The two ministers exchanged views on areas of shared interest.
They noted the complementary mandates of their respective ministries in promoting employment, strengthening labour market development, facilitating trade and supporting sustainable economic growth.
Regional integration initiatives were also discussed. These included the harmonisation of labour markets and the free movement of goods and services.
Both ministers agreed to hold a follow up technical meeting to explore practical areas of cooperation and improve inter-ministerial coordination in support of the Government’s development priorities.
On 23 June, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Dr James Pitia Morgan, also met with Dr Labanya. Their meeting focused on strengthening coordination between the two ministries on trade and regional integration matters.
Discussions covered cross border trade between South Sudan and neighbouring countries as well as pending key issues on trade in the region. They talked through the implementation of regional agreements including the Common Market Protocol and the Customs Union Protocol.
Minister Morgan stressed the importance of closer institutional coordination and the ratification of outstanding agreements. He singled out the African Continental Free Trade Area as vital for enhancing trade opportunities and regional economic cooperation.
On 26 June, Dr Labanya issued a ministerial order establishing verification offices at border posts for imported raw materials. The order, number two of the year 2026, sets up the Association of South Sudan Manufacturers verification presence at entry points. The move is designed to support local manufacturing by ensuring proper checks on raw materials coming into the country.