By Lodu William Odiya
South Sudan is set to host the 7th edition of the Global Logistics Convention (GLC) in 2026, a milestone the government has described as a strong vote of confidence in the country’s growing economic potential and regional trade ambitions.
Speaking during the launch of preparations for the convention, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Yien Gach Ruey, congratulated the South Sudan Freight Forwarders Association for successfully securing the prestigious international event, describing it as a major achievement for the country.
“This convention will provide a unique opportunity for us to showcase South Sudan to international investors and to logistics companies, transport operators, and development partners,” he said.
The Gach praised freight forwarders, the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA), truck drivers, and other stakeholders for their contribution to facilitating trade and strengthening the country’s economy.
He commended the Revenue Authority for its swift response whenever challenges arise along the country’s border crossings, describing border operations as the lifeline of South Sudan’s economy.
“Whenever there is an issue at the border, our hearts beat faster because that border is the lifeline to our economy,” he said, adding that the Ministry of Finance continues to work closely with the SSRA to address obstacles affecting trade and revenue collection.
Gach further disclosed that the ministry has held several engagements with the Revenue Authority to resolve challenges contributing to declining revenue collection, emphasising that improving trade facilitation remains a government priority.
He also highlighted South Sudan’s commitment to regional integration through the East African Community (EAC), saying the country’s full legal membership presents new opportunities for trade and economic growth.
“We were in Arusha as well, and when we went to submit the treaty that was signed by our president, Salva Kiir Mayardit, [it] was a huge step, and they were telling us that you guys have been members illegally in the EAC. But we were happy [for] that day, for the first time we were able to legally become members,” he said.
According to him, hosting the Global Logistics Convention will provide an opportunity to showcase South Sudan to international investors, logistics firms, transport operators, and development partners while promoting the country’s investment potential.
He acknowledged that Africa can no longer depend heavily on foreign aid, noting that discussions during the African Development Bank annual meetings emphasised mobilising domestic resources to finance development across the continent.
Gach also admitted that poor road infrastructure remains one of the biggest challenges affecting trade, warning that deteriorating transport networks delay the movement of goods and reduce government revenue.
“The road from Nimule is very important to our economy because it connects South Sudan with the region,” he said, stressing that better regional connectivity is essential for faster movement of goods and people.
The deputy minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to diversifying the economy beyond oil, saying recent disruptions caused by the conflict in neighbouring Sudan have underscored the need to develop other productive sectors.
He also called for stronger cooperation between government institutions and the private sector to eliminate barriers affecting business operations.
“We want to work with you to make sure all the challenges facing the movement of goods are eliminated. We are all stakeholders, and we all benefit when business flows smoothly,” he said.
Addressing concerns about South Sudan’s image abroad, the deputy minister rejected the description of the country as fragile.
“South Sudan is not a fragile country; South Sudan is a country in transition. Give us time. With our young, innovative people, things will change,” he said.
He expressed optimism that delegates attending the convention will witness the country’s progress firsthand and leave with renewed confidence in South Sudan as an emerging investment destination.
“South Sudan is ready for business,” he concluded. “Today we import many goods, but we hope that in the coming years we will also be exporting our own goods and services to the region and beyond.”