South Sudan pushes for one-stop border project to ease trade bottlenecks

JUBA — South Sudan’s minister of trade and industry, Atong Kuol Manyang, met on Monday with the Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA), William Anyuon Kuol, to advance plans for a “One-Stop Border Post” (OSBP) intended to reduce persistent cross-border delays.

The high-level meeting focused on the implementation of the OSBP flagship project, a four-year, $10.8 million (approximately €10 million) initiative primarily targeting the Nimule crossing with Uganda.

Funded by the European Union (EU) under its Global Gateway strategy, the project receives technical and infrastructure support from the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and TradeMark Africa.

Designed to consolidate multiple border management agencies into a single facility, the OSBP aims to streamline customs and immigration procedures, significantly cutting waiting times and paperwork for transporters.

Officials expect the project to enhance the flow of goods and strengthen regional trade links, particularly along the Cairo–Khartoum–Juba–Kampala strategic corridor. Under the agreed framework, the ministry of trade and industry will oversee the implementation in coordination with the SSRA.

Speaking during the meeting, Manyang emphasized the value of institutional cooperation, noting that Anyuon’s previous experience as a trade minister provides a unique grasp of the sector’s challenges.

“Hon. Anyuon’s previous experience as the Minister of Trade and Industry provides him with a unique understanding of the challenges the Ministry faces, making the SSRA’s support even more impactful,” Manyang said.

The discussions follow the recent approval of the project’s design, which includes a climate-resilient administration building and a dedicated modern market for women and youth engaged in small-scale trade.

Anyuon reaffirmed the SSRA’s commitment, stating the authority is prepared to prioritize trade facilitation and streamline systems to boost government income.

As a next step, the two officials agreed to conduct a joint site visit before the end of January 2026 to align implementation timelines.

South Sudan continues to struggle with high trade costs and weak infrastructure, which have long constrained commerce and inflated consumer prices. Government officials maintain that this EU-funded intervention is critical for regional integration and economic recovery in the world’s youngest nation.