According to the Union Chairperson, the Forum has held its first and second editions, during which recommendations were made, resolutions passed and an implementation matrix adopted

By Binia Elizabeth

James Khamis Juma, the chairperson of the Central Equatoria Business Union (CEBU) has expressed optimism and satisfaction with some of the achievements of the Juba Economic Forum recorded over the past two years.

According to the Union Chairperson, the Forum has held its first and second editions, during which recommendations were made, resolutions passed and an implementation matrix adopted.

In an interview with The City Review on Wednesday, Juma said the Union is impressed by the work that has been done by its members, and as it moves towards the third edition, the Union will provide a highlight of some of the milestones made; from the first edition to date.

Juma said among the major steps made by the Union is engaging authorities in Central Equatoria State to   harmonize taxes. From their engagement, he says, major changes were made, which showed progress and cooperation between the entities.

“Another achievement was the inclusive waste management, which we engaged on with the Juba City Council. They conducted a workshop for three days and brought in the quota council, the private sector and the government,” he says.

Juma added that there is a lot of progress on managing wastes now, a stepping stone from the workshop they conducted, which also included the project implementers, and developmental agencies like JICA, among others.

“So, from the recommendations, we got some drugs and whatever they needed. So, these are some of the things they achieved during the three years of Juba Economic Forum,” Juma said, revealing that most of the details and progress will be shared at the third edition of the forum.

Despite the achievements, he said the Union has faced myriads of challenges. These include negative perception by some people regarding the forum, as some think the set-up cannot achieve much.

Another major challenge, Juma said, is financial constraints. The Union, he explains, has very limited resources and therefore is unable to finance many of the programs planned.

“The way forward is to see to it that the country’s economy improves and citizens are well equipped to go about their businesses. This will enable them to get into the market and develop the private sector,” he says.

The Union leader further revealed of the plans they had of bringing big investors in the country to come and invest, create employment opportunities to the youth and women.

“The way forward is to see to it that the country’s economy improves and citizens are well equipped to go about their businesses. This will enable them to get into the market and develop the private sector,” James Khamis Juma, the chairperson of the Central Equatoria Business Union (CEBU).