Sudan, Ethiopia move to deepen trade ties, strengthen business partnerships

The discussions focused on building partnerships between businesses in the two neighboring countries, improving cross-border private-sector capacity

By Emmanuel Mandella

South Sudan and Ethiopia are exploring new opportunities to strengthen bilateral trade, attract investment and expand private-sector cooperation following a meeting between the South Sudan National Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (SSNCCIA) and the Ethiopian ambassador to South Sudan.

The discussions, held at the Chamber’s headquarters in Juba on Wednesday, focused on building partnerships between businesses in the two neighboring countries, improving private-sector capacity and creating platforms for entrepreneurs to identify investment opportunities across their borders.

The meeting brought together SSNCCIA Chairperson Hon. Losidik Lukak Legge, Ethiopian Ambassador to South Sudan H.E. Ambassador Delil and members of the ambassador’s delegation.

Both sides explored proposals for joint investment projects, business-to-business (B2B) partnerships, business expos and trade fairs, as well as capacity-building programmes intended to strengthen South Sudanese businesses.

A key proposal was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the South Sudan National Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture and the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) to establish a formal framework for cooperation.

Ambassador Delil reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to supporting South Sudan’s private sector, stressing the importance of structured collaboration between the two chambers to improve communication, transparency and coordination in implementing future business initiatives.

The proposed agreement is expected to provide a foundation for closer institutional relations and help businesses from both countries identify opportunities for commercial partnerships.

Speaking during the meeting, SSNCCIA Chairperson Losidik Lukak Legge welcomed the Ethiopian ambassador’s visit, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen commercial relations and open new prospects for South Sudan’s business community.

He assured the Ethiopian delegation that the Chamber is committed to working closely with the Ethiopian Embassy to advance initiatives that benefit entrepreneurs and promote economic cooperation between the two countries.

The Chamber said the engagement had created an opportunity to explore practical ways of connecting businesses, encouraging joint investments and expanding cooperation between the private sectors of South Sudan and Ethiopia.

The proposed collaboration comes as South Sudan faces the challenge of expanding domestic production, strengthening private enterprise and reducing dependence on imported goods. Closer commercial engagement with neighboring countries could help local businesses access new markets, expertise, and technology and investment opportunities.

However, the potential benefits will depend on whether the discussions lead to concrete agreements, commercially viable projects and practical measures that enable businesses to operate across borders.

One of the central outcomes of the meeting was the proposal to establish a formal partnership between the two countries’ chambers of commerce through a MoU.

The proposed agreement would provide a framework for communication, coordination and cooperation on business-related initiatives, including trade promotion, investment opportunities and private-sector development.

Business expos and trade fairs were among the areas discussed as potential platforms for bringing together investors, manufacturers, traders and service providers.

Such events could give South Sudanese businesses opportunities to showcase locally produced goods and services while enabling Ethiopian companies to explore the South Sudanese market.

The discussions also highlighted capacity building as a priority, particularly in strengthening the skills and competitiveness of South Sudanese entrepreneurs.

Potential areas for cooperation could include agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, trade, logistics and business services.

The meeting reflects an effort to translate diplomatic relations between South Sudan and Ethiopia into stronger economic cooperation through private-sector institutions.

While official visits can establish goodwill and identify shared priorities, the long-term value of the engagement will depend on implementation.

Regular business forums and trade fairs could help build relationships between entrepreneurs, while structured capacity-building programmes could strengthen the ability of South Sudanese businesses to compete in regional markets.

The meeting also presents an opportunity for both chambers to identify barriers that prevent businesses from expanding across borders and engage the relevant authorities on possible solutions.

For South Sudan, the central test will be whether such partnerships contribute to productive investment, employment opportunities, stronger local enterprises and greater domestic economic activity.

The SSNCCIA said it remained committed to working with the Ethiopian Embassy for the mutual benefit of the private sectors and citizens of both countries.