South Sudan can draw lessons from China’s development experience, particularly in infrastructure, economic diversification and human capital development, but the model cannot be directly replicated because of differences in political systems, economic structures and historical contexts, analysts say.
Three Juba-based analysts contend that China’s engagement in South Sudan has contributed to key sectors including oil production, infrastructure development, health, education and technical cooperation. They, however, urge a stronger focus on local content, economic diversification and inclusive development.
Boboya James Edimon, a policy and political analyst and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Policy Research, said China’s development model offers important lessons for South Sudan, particularly as the country seeks to reduce dependence on oil and create opportunities for its growing youth population.
“China demonstrates the importance of long-term strategic planning, strong investments in infrastructure, agricultural modernisation, industrialisation, human capital development and poverty reduction,” he said.
He, however, cautioned that South Sudan cannot copy China’s approach entirely because the two countries have different political, economic and social realities.
“An adaptation of the Chinese model must be tailored to South Sudan’s governance structures, local realities and commitments to democratic principles and inclusive development,” he said.
Edimon said China’s engagement since South Sudan gained independence has supported key areas, including the oil sector, roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, water supply systems and telecommunications.
He cited the construction and rehabilitation support provided to Juba Teaching Hospital, scholarships, vocational training programmes and medical teams as examples of China’s contribution to human capital development.
Despite these achievements, Edimon said greater attention was needed in areas such as agriculture, livestock, fisheries, manufacturing and support for small and medium-sized enterprises to help South Sudan diversify its economy.
He also called for stronger local content policies to ensure South Sudanese professionals and businesses benefit more from Chinese-supported projects through employment opportunities, skills transfer and technology sharing.
Conversely, Dr. Abraham Maliet Mamer, a Juba-based economist, said South Sudan’s economic system differs fundamentally from China’s development model because the country operates under a free-market economy, while China’s system gives a stronger role to the state in economic activities.
“The model of China is manifested in their constitution. Most of the developmental projects are done by the government. The role of the private sector is very limited,” he said. “China’s business model is successful in China, and it is also successful in the countries they have attended to. So yes, South Sudan can benefit from that.”
Dr. Maliet said South Sudan’s constitution allows private sector competition, making the two systems different, but added that the country could still learn from China’s approach to development.
However, he said adapting elements of China’s approach would require careful consideration of South Sudan’s laws and economic policies.
Meanwhile, Abraham Kuol Nyuon, an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Juba, said China’s policy of non-interference has made its partnership attractive to South Sudan, particularly given the country’s fragile political environment.
“South Sudan is a fragile state, and China only concentrates on development; they don’t even interfere in political liberty in states, and they only come and do their work,” Nyuon said.
He praised China’s support in areas such as oil production and infrastructure, including the development of Juba Teaching Hospital, but said more could be done to ensure communities benefit from the partnership.
According to Prof. Nyuon, China and South Sudan should strengthen engagement with communities, particularly at the state level, instead of concentrating development projects mainly in Juba.
“China should be able to engage communities; in fact, if they don’t want to engage the government and do small things with them, mostly at the state level, they escalate the development to the state rather than concentrating development in one area,” he said.
He also said South Sudan’s government should play a stronger role in defining development priorities and holding partners accountable for issues such as corporate social responsibility, particularly in oil-producing areas.
The analysts said future cooperation between South Sudan and China should focus more on economic transformation, climate resilience, renewable energy, digital development, education and opportunities for women, youth and rural communities.
They said while China’s engagement has contributed to South Sudan’s infrastructure and economic development, its long-term impact will depend on whether partnerships create broader opportunities for ordinary citizens.
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