By Alan Clement
South Sudan has announced sweeping reforms to secure and modernize its busiest trade corridor, unveiling measures to dismantle illegal checkpoints, crack down on smuggling, and streamline customs operations at the Nimule border post.
According to a Ministry of Trade & Industry statement, the announcement followed a three-day Technical and Consultative Meeting chaired by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk, in Nimule.
Along with the Minister, the meeting brought together key government agencies, regional stakeholders, and trade representatives to review findings from a comprehensive Trade Corridor Assessment conducted between February 7–9, 2026.
The assessment focused on the Juba–Nimule route, South Sudan’s primary gateway for international trade, and revealed systemic bottlenecks undermining efficiency, revenue collection, and regional competitiveness.
The delegation’s findings painted a stark picture of inefficiency and disorder along the corridor including overlapping mandates among agencies which led to repetitive cargo checks, with clearance times stretching up to 48 hours.
According to the findings, traders reported discretionary manual processes, such as the outdated Form 15 which continued to bypass the government’s E-Permit system, creating loopholes for smuggling and tax evasion.
Additionally, revenue leakages were identified as a major concern with revelations that smuggling and abuse of tax exemptions have cost the government significant income, undermining fiscal stability.
Minister Atong emphasized that restoring discipline in customs procedures is critical to safeguarding national revenue. “South Sudan cannot afford to lose millions through outdated practices and unchecked smuggling,” she stated stressing that, the E-Permit system will now be mandatory, and violators will face strict penalties.
Worryingly the most striking revelation was the existence of more than 70 checkpoints between Juba and Nimule, many of them unauthorized. These barriers have caused severe delays, with fish exports from Bor taking an average of seven days to cover less than 400 kilometers.
Traders described the checkpoints as a source of harassment and extortion, eroding confidence in the corridor. In response to this revelation, the government pledged to dismantle all illegal checkpoints in collaboration with security organs, a move expected to drastically reduce transit times and costs.
“This is not just about efficiency. It is about restoring trust in our trade systems and ensuring that goods move freely and securely,” she stated.
The assessment also highlighted infrastructural gaps, including poor road conditions, inadequate warehousing, insufficient parking, and the absence of modern scanners. Chronic congestion at the border has compounded delays, discouraging investment and trade.
To address these challenges, the government pledged to prioritize the rehabilitation of the Juba–Nimule road and the construction of a One-Stop Border Post (OSBP). The OSBP will eliminate duplicate clearance procedures by consolidating customs, immigration, and security checks under one roof.
In the long term, South Sudan plans to transition to full end-to-end digital processing, integrating its customs systems with East African Community (EAC) platforms. This modernization drive is expected to align the country with regional trade facilitation standards already in place in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The resolutions adopted at the Nimule meeting include the establishment of a Joint Border Management Committee (JBMC) to oversee daily operations as well as enforce operational discipline, regulate clearing agents, and ensure accountability across agencies.
Unregistered “middle agents” have been banned effective immediately, while licensed clearing agents will undergo screening to prevent malpractice. Smuggling and tax evasion will attract penalties of up to 80 percent of the value of goods, signaling a tougher stance on revenue protection.
Cargo tracking will also be enhanced through the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS), enabling real-time monitoring of goods in transit. Export cargo, particularly perishable goods, will receive security escorts to minimize spoilage and harassment.
Beyond economic efficiency, the reforms carry regional and social significance. The Nimule corridor is South Sudan’s lifeline to Uganda and the wider East African market. Streamlining operations will reduce the cost of doing business and enhance competitiveness across the region.
The assessment highlighted gender disparities, with women and small-scale traders facing harassment and lacking gender-responsive facilities. In response, the government pledged to promote inclusivity by providing safe spaces, sanitation, and simplified clearance for women traders.
“This transformation is not just about trade,” Juuk stressed. “It is about fairness, inclusivity, and ensuring that every citizen benefits from regional integration.”
The Ministry of Trade and Industry, working with the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) and the Ministry of EAC Affairs, will drive a time-bound implementation matrix that assigns clear institutional responsibilities and performance indicators to ensure accountability.
Minister Atong confirmed that a report will be submitted to the Council of Ministers, addressing the persistence of tax exemptions despite their abolition by presidential directive.
“The transformation of the Nimule corridor is not just an economic necessity but a national priority,” she emphasized.
“By enforcing discipline and investing in modernization, we will lower business costs and strengthen South Sudan’s regional competitiveness,” added Minister Atong.
The mission closed with a call for collective responsibility, stressing that success will depend on sustained collaboration among government agencies, regional partners, and traders.
If realized, these reforms could turn the Nimule corridor from a symbol of inefficiency into a model of integrity and trade facilitation positioning South Sudan as a credible player in East Africa’s economic landscape.