Azande King receives Chinese-donated farm machinery to boost agriculture

JUBA – Azande King Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue has received a donation of agricultural machinery from a Chinese enterprise in a move to boost agriculture and improve livelihoods.

The handover ceremony took place on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in Juba, bringing together senior government officials, diplomats, traditional leaders, and development partners.

The event was attended by Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan Ma Qiang, Deputy Chief of Mission Huo Ying, the Azande monarch, and Pia Philip Michael, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Peacebuilding. More than 80 invited guests, including representatives of the Azande community and development actors, witnessed the handover.

The equipment was donated by Zhaotai Group, a Chinese enterprise operating in South Sudan. The contribution forms part of China’s broader engagement in supporting agricultural development and food security initiatives in the country, where subsistence farming remains the primary source of livelihood for much of the population.

Speaking during the ceremony, Ambassador Ma said the donation reflected ongoing cooperation between China and South Sudan.

He stated, “In line with the important consensus reached between President Xi Jinping of China and President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan, the Chinese Embassy and Chinese enterprises have continued to take concrete actions.”

He added that the initiative demonstrates the sense of responsibility shown by Chinese companies and is expected to contribute to increased grain production and improved living conditions for communities within the Azande Kingdom.

King Atoroba welcomed the support and expressed appreciation to the Chinese government and Zhaotai Group. He noted that the equipment would play a role in improving harvests and strengthening food security across his kingdom.

“This agricultural machinery will contribute to improved harvests, food security, and stability among our people,” he said, adding that the people of the Azande Kingdom would remember the gesture of friendship and goodwill.

Other Azande representatives present echoed similar views, noting that investment in agriculture could promote economic self-reliance and reduce dependence on humanitarian assistance, particularly in Western Equatoria State and other Azande-inhabited regions.

During the event, Ambassador Ma also presented English copies of the fifth volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China to South Sudanese officials. The ceremony was supported by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation team currently implementing Phase II of the Juba Teaching Hospital renovation and expansion project.

The Azande Kingdom, one of South Sudan’s oldest traditional institutions, plays an important role in cultural preservation, peacebuilding, and community mobilization. With agriculture serving as the backbone of the Azande economy, the newly donated machinery is expected to reinforce local farming capacity and contribute to long-term food security efforts in the region.