By Alan Clement
South Sudan has joined African leaders in Luanda, Angola, for a high-level continental forum convened under the theme “Investing in Infrastructure for the African Continental Free Trade Area and Shared Prosperity.”
According to a statement from the Ministry of Finance’s press unit, the Financing for Infrastructure Development Summit is being hosted by Angolan President João Manuel Lourenço in his capacity as Chairperson of the African Union.
The Ministry’s statement noted that South Sudan stands to benefit from new financing models and partnerships that can enhance trade corridors, stimulate industrial growth, and create jobs for the country’s youth.
“The Government of South Sudan views this summit as a platform to engage development partners and investors to support our infrastructure priorities, which are essential for national growth and regional trade,” the Ministry of Finance and Planning said in a statement.
In a statement, the summit brings together Heads of State and Government to deliberate on accelerating infrastructure growth across Africa through coordinated investment and domestic resource mobilization.
The statement noted that the attendance of Finance Minister Athian Ding Athian on behalf of President Salva Kiir Mayardit, signalled the country’s commitment to regional integration and infrastructure-led development.
South Sudan’s participation reflects its strategic interest in unlocking road infrastructure financing and promoting intra-African trade under the AfCFTA framework.
“Our focus is on securing partnerships that will help us expand road networks, boost trade, and create opportunities for our people,” read the statement.
The statement noted that key summit discussions will center on energy, technological innovation, water and sanitation, and youth employment creation.
In a statement, delegates are expected to adopt a joint communiqué outlining actionable steps to scale up infrastructure investment across the continent.
The summit comes at a time when South Sudan is prioritizing road connectivity and economic diversification, with infrastructure seen as a critical enabler of peace, development, and regional trade.