By Sabri Dibaco
Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony has held talks with Türkiye’s Ambassador to South Sudan, Metin Ergin, on expanding development cooperation in agriculture, education, health, livestock, and water infrastructure.
The meeting in Juba focused on practical development interventions aimed at improving livelihoods, particularly for farmers, women’s cooperative groups, and rural communities across the state.
Governor Adil described Türkiye as an important development partner and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening cooperation for the benefit of local communities.
Among the priorities discussed were the provision of agricultural tools and milling facilities, construction of markets for farmers, fish-storage facilities, boreholes, and water-catchment systems.
The two sides also discussed strengthening health institutions through the provision of essential medical equipment and exploring opportunities for investment in the livestock sector.
Governor Adil emphasised the importance of translating development partnerships into projects that directly benefit communities.
The meeting also highlighted the role of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) in supporting development programs in South Sudan and implementing existing cooperation agreements.
The Turkish delegation expressed readiness to work with the Central Equatoria State Government on infrastructure development, including road construction.
Ambassador Ergin also indicated that Turkish companies could be encouraged to explore investment opportunities in the state, potentially expanding private-sector participation in development.
Türkiye has increasingly engaged in South Sudan through development assistance, humanitarian support, and technical cooperation. TİKA has been involved in various development initiatives in the country, including projects aimed at supporting agriculture, health, education, and community livelihoods.
Central Equatoria, which hosts the national capital Juba, is strategically important for South Sudan’s economy and development.
However, communities in parts of the state continue to face challenges related to inadequate infrastructure, limited access to clean water, weak agricultural support systems, and poor road connectivity.
Agriculture and livestock remain important sources of livelihoods for many communities, while improved roads, markets, water facilities, and storage infrastructure are considered essential to strengthening local production and trade.
The latest discussions between the state government and the Turkish delegation are therefore expected to provide an opportunity for expanding development partnerships and attracting investment into Central Equatoria.
Both sides pledged to work toward turning the proposed areas of cooperation into tangible development initiatives that improve livelihoods and support the state’s broader development priorities.