South Sudan is in talks with Saudi Arabia on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for new industrial park and economic zone. The remarks were noted by South Sudan’s Trade and Industry Minister, Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk. The delegation was joined by South Sudan’s ambassador to Riyadh. Furthermore, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources was also present. The delegation was held after attending a conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
The discussions covered establishing one or more industrial parks and creating an economic zone. It also focused on building institutional capacity in South Sudan. Minister Atong noted South Sudan has invited Saudi investors to come to the country and inspect its natural resources. According to her, “the Saudi side responded positively.” She also urged Saudi investors to come and assess the country’s investment potential then invest. Industrial parks across Africa are becoming a norm as West Africa’s Nigeria also makes strides in their brass industrial park and methanol complex.
Project Factsheet
- Project: Proposed Industrial Park and Economic Zone
- Countries Involved: South Sudan and Saudi Arabia
- Status: Exploratory discussions; MoU in view
- Lead Official: South Sudan Minister of Trade and Industry, Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk
- Setting: Talks held after UNIDO conference in Saudi Arabia
Key Discussion Points
- Establishment of one or more industrial parks
- Creation of a national economic zone
- Institutional capacity building for South Sudan
- Investment invitation extended to Saudi private and public-sector investors
Diplomatic Context
- A bilateral foreign-affairs MoU inked two years ago, yet to be ratified in South Sudan
- Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources joined the discussions
- South Sudan’s ambassador to Riyadh took part in the delegation.
Investment Importance
- That would mark a major step toward diversifying South Sudan’s economy.
- Opens a pathway to Saudi investors for natural resources and new industrial land.
- Potential catalyst for long-term industrial development and job creation
Current Outlook
- Saudi delegation responded positively to South Sudan’s proposal.
- Progress depends on the results of the next round of talks and MoU finalization
State of Affairs Regarding the South Sudan Industrial Park
Minister Atong showed positive remarks in her statement about the construction of the park and economic zone. She confirmed that a foreign‑affairs MoU between the two nations on bilateral relations was signed two years ago. However, it still awaits ratification by South Sudan’s assembly and relevant ministries. The industrial park and economic zone could mark a major step toward industrial development and foreign investment in South Sudan. However, this is all dependent on if the next meeting leads to agreement.
Atong described the proposed industrial park and economic zone as the right move for Saudi investors. “One of them is the creation of an industrial park, industrial parks, not even one in South Sudan. They took it positively, and also the creation of the economic zone. When I talk of an industrial park … it will be a place allocated for them, she noted. Furthermore, she noted that the park could also be invested in by people from the Kingdom.
