By Alan Clement
South Sudan’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Atong Kuol Manyang, has endorsed a major economic initiative aimed at empowering the private sector and accelerating small business development across the country.
She made the approval during a high-level meeting with key stakeholders, including representatives from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and the Executive Director of the South Sudan Bankers Association (SSBA), to review and discuss the project’s scope and long-term impact.
According to the Ministry’s Communication Department, the meeting served as a formal briefing to secure the Minister’s approval for the next phase of a strategic economic project designed to enhance national trade and industry performance.
“Supporting the private sector will enable us to more effectively support small businesses and entrepreneurs within our local communities. These enterprises are the backbone of sustainable economic development and job creation in South Sudan,” said Minister Atong Kuol Manyang in a statement.
The Minister commended the SSBA and its leadership for their consistent collaboration and coordination on national economic strategies, noting the critical role of financial institutions in expanding economic inclusion and supporting investment-led growth.
According to the Ministry’s Communication Department, Minister Atong granted full approval for the project to move into its next stage which is expected to be a formal presentation and potential rollout under the Ministry’s portfolio.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry is expected to unveil further details of the project as part of its broader strategy to stimulate domestic production, attract investment, and foster innovation in South Sudan’s business ecosystem.
The Minister also reaffirmed her Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that the private sector remains a central pillar in national development planning, particularly in line with broader efforts to diversify the economy and reduce dependency on oil revenues.
The meeting was also attended by Ustaz Yel Luol, Undersecretary of the Ministry, along with several Director Generals and senior staff.