By Lodu William Odiya
Governor Louis Lobong Lojore has called for responsible investment in Eastern Equatoria State’s natural resources, saying the region’s untapped mineral wealth should directly benefit local communities.
According to the EES press unit, Governor Lobong made the remarks on Tuesday when he met representatives of Ecobridge Global Trading FZCO to discuss potential investment opportunities in the state.
The governor welcomed the company’s interest in investing in Eastern Equatoria, saying the state remains open to genuine investors willing to work within the law and in consultation with government authorities and local communities.
“Eastern Equatoria has all sorts of untapped minerals,” Governor Lobong said, stressing that investment in the sector should translate into tangible benefits for the people of the state.
He said responsible investment should create employment opportunities for young people, strengthen local businesses, and contribute to improved livelihoods for communities living in resource-rich areas.
The governor also urged prospective investors to engage state authorities and local communities before undertaking exploration activities.
His call comes as Eastern Equatoria continues to attract interest in its natural resources, with the state believed to possess significant mineral potential that remains largely unexplored.
Governor Lobong emphasised that investment should not only focus on extracting natural resources but should also contribute to the broader economic development of the state.
For many communities, the expansion of mining and other investment activities presents potential opportunities for employment, infrastructure development, and increased access to services.
However, concerns over land ownership, community participation, and the distribution of benefits have remained important issues in resource-rich areas.
The governor’s meeting with Ecobridge Global Trading FZCO therefore highlights the state government’s efforts to attract investment while calling for cooperation between investors, authorities, and communities.
Lobong said genuine investors would be welcomed as long as their activities contribute to the development of Eastern Equatoria and improve the welfare of its people.
The state government is expected to continue engaging potential investors as it seeks to turn the region’s natural resource potential into economic opportunities for its population.