South Sudan, Kenya move to dismantle trade barriers in high-level Juba summit

2026-03-30 - 10:04

The governments of South Sudan and Kenya have concluded a five-day high-level bilateral meeting aimed at resolving critical bottlenecks that have long hindered the movement of goods and suppressed trade between the two neighboring East African nations. The summit, held in Juba from March 23 to 27, brought together senior officials under the East African Community (EAC) framework to strengthen regional cooperation and investment. South Sudan’s delegation was led by the Minister for East African Community Affairs, Pieng Deng Kuol, while the Kenyan team was headed by Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul Moe. The discussions centered on the high cost of doing business, specifically targeting inflated shipping and transport fees, redundant cargo inspections, and the myriad of challenges faced by cross-border investors. South Sudan raised pointed concerns regarding high container security fees, rising insurance premiums, and persistent delays in cargo clearance. In response, the Kenyan delegation advocated for improved market access, the removal of illegal checkpoints, and enhanced protection for Kenyan businesses operating within South Sudan. In a move toward immediate action, both nations agreed to hold joint engagements with shipping companies by May 2026 to review container fees. Furthermore, financial and insurance regulators from both sides have been tasked with developing a strategy to reduce high insurance costs for traders. Key milestones established during the meeting include: Trade Promotion: The fast-tracking of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on trade and investment promotion, slated for signing by June 2026. Infrastructure: A renewed commitment to advancing the construction of the Nadapal-Juba Road, a vital transport corridor expected to drastically boost connectivity. Annual Diplomacy: The resolution to hold these bilateral engagements annually, with the next session scheduled to take place in Nairobi in June 2026. Officials noted that the outcomes of the Juba summit reflect a “renewed commitment” to deepening economic ties and solidifying the integration of the East African region. By addressing logistical and regulatory hurdles, both governments aim to create a more seamless environment for traders and investors alike.