By The City Review

South Sudan is preparing to host the 7th Global Logistics Convention (GLC) 2026 for the first time in its history, with government officials, regional logistics leaders, and private sector stakeholders describing the event as a major opportunity to position the country as a regional trade and investment hub.

The convention, scheduled to take place from August 25–27, 2026, at the Pyramid Continental Hotel in Juba, is expected to attract nearly 1,000 participants from across Africa and beyond, including policymakers, freight forwarders, investors, development partners, logistics experts, and business leaders.

Speaking during the official media launch in Juba, the President of the South Sudan Freight Forwarders Association (SSFFA), Deng Daniel, said hosting the prestigious event marks a turning point for South Sudan’s efforts to strengthen trade facilitation, increase exports, and integrate more effectively into regional and global markets.

“South Sudan is hosting this convention for the first time because we lobbied for it and demonstrated that we are ready. This is our opportunity to showcase the country, promote trade, attract investment, and demonstrate that South Sudan is open for business,” he said.

The Global Logistics Convention is the flagship annual event of the Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Associations (FEAFFA) and rotates among East African Community partner states.

According to organizers, this year’s convention will provide a platform for discussions on cross-border trade, logistics challenges, customs procedures, transportation systems, infrastructure development, and policy reforms aimed at enhancing regional trade.

Participants are expected to engage government officials on measures needed to improve the business environment and facilitate the movement of goods across borders.

Deng noted that the convention will also focus on practical trade opportunities for South Sudanese businesses.

“We will be discussing how South Sudan can increase exports and expand its market reach. Today, products such as dry fish are already being exported to neighboring countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo. The convention will help identify challenges and solutions for scaling up such opportunities,” he said.

The Executive Director of FEAFFA, Elias Baluku, described South Sudan’s hosting of the convention as a historic milestone for the country’s logistics sector.

He explained that the regional federation was established in 2006 to support freight forwarding and customs clearing industries across East Africa and has since expanded to include several member states, with South Sudan being one of its newest members.

“This convention brings together stakeholders from across the logistics and transport value chain. It creates opportunities for networking, policy engagement, business partnerships, and knowledge sharing. We believe Juba 2026 has the potential to become the best Global Logistics Convention ever organized in the region,” Baluku said.

He added that the convention will feature exhibitions showcasing innovative logistics solutions and technologies, while also creating opportunities for freight forwarders from different countries to build professional relationships and strengthen regional trade networks.

South Sudan’s Minister of Energy and Dams, Hon. Agok Makur Kur Agok, who attended the launch, welcomed the initiative and called on investors to explore opportunities in South Sudan, particularly in the energy sector.

The minister emphasized that reliable energy remains one of the key pillars for economic growth and industrial development.

“South Sudan has enormous investment opportunities. Energy is central to development, and we are inviting investors to partner with us. Events like the Global Logistics Convention are important because they bring investors closer to opportunities in our country,” he said.

The minister highlighted the government’s ambition to develop major hydropower projects, including the long-discussed Fulla Rapids Hydropower Project, which he said has the potential to generate enough electricity to power the entire country and even export energy to neighboring states.

“The Fulla hydropower potential is a gift from God. If developed, it can transform South Sudan’s economy and support industrial growth across the country,” he added.

Several private-sector organizations and development partners have already pledged support for the convention, including Capital Pay, DigitCash, GIZ, Kuehne Climate Center, and other regional logistics stakeholders.

Representatives of the supporting organizations stressed the importance of creating platforms that help South Sudan align with regional and international trade standards.

A representative of Capital Pay Mr. Charles Abuy said the company remains committed to supporting innovations and digital solutions that improve efficiency within the logistics and transport sector.

“We believe logistics is the backbone of economic growth. Through technology and infrastructure support, we want to contribute to making trade faster, easier, and more competitive in South Sudan,” he said.

Beyond policy discussions and business engagements, organizers announced that the convention will feature a Regional Logistics Excellence Awards Ceremony, recognizing outstanding performers in the freight forwarding and logistics industry across East Africa.