Newly adopted strategic plan outlines key priorities and objectives that will guide the association’s activities over the next two years.

By Opio Jackson

South Sudan Freight and Forwarders Association (SSFA) Senators have adopted a comprehensive strategic plan for the fiscal years 2025/2026.

The newly adopted strategic plan outlines key priorities and objectives that will guide the association’s activities over the next two years.

Speaking after the Senates’ enacting draft concept, the President of the SSFFA, Deng Daniel said the strategy marks a significant step toward streamlining operations and enhancing policy implementation within the freight and forwarders sector.

“The adopted strategic plan places a strong emphasis on advocacy, lobbying, and professionalizing the freight and forwarding industry,” he stated.

He emphasized the importance of the plan in addressing current challenges faced by the freight and forwarding industry in South Sudan.

The strategic plan includes strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing capacity-building programs, and advocating for policies that support trade facilitation and regional integration.

“This strategic roadmap will help us navigate the evolving demands of the sector and position South Sudan as a more efficient and competitive logistics hub in the region,” Deng explained.

He added that the association will actively engage with the Ministry of National Trade and other relevant bodies to push for policy reforms and regulatory frameworks that reduce bottlenecks, promote transparency, and improve service delivery across the industry.

For his part, SSFFA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mawa Moses said the strategic plan is primarily focused on promoting compliance and raising professional standards within the sector.

He highlighted that one of the key priorities is ensuring that customs brokers and freight forwarders align their operations with international best practices.

“The strategic plan basically looks at compliance, that is how our customs brokers will adopt and adhere to professional standards,” Moses said.

He said another critical component of the strategy is risk mitigation, stressing that as the industry continues to grow, freight forwarders are increasingly exposed to various risks associated with business transactions, including regulatory uncertainties, delays, and financial losses.

“We are also looking at how our members can effectively mitigate some of the risks associated with the business. This includes adopting more transparent practices, improving documentation, and ensuring greater accountability in transactions,” Moses added.

Silas Majok Achirin, a senator member said the committee is expected to play a pivotal role in advocating for policy reforms that support the growth of the logistics and transportation industry in the country.

According to him, these reforms will play a vital role in modernizing the sector, reducing operational inefficiencies, and positioning South Sudan as a reliable trade gateway in the East African region

The strategic plan also aims to foster stronger collaboration with government agencies, international partners, and the private sector to ensure the smooth movement of goods and the development of trade corridors that link South Sudan to neighboring countries.

The association reaffirmed its dedication to transparency, inclusivity, and sustainable development as key pillars of its operational approach moving forward.