Smart Properties Limited on Monday launched the Real Estate Summit 2025, a two-day event scheduled for Sept. 18-19 in Juba, aimed at positioning South Sudan as an emerging destination for real estate investment and urban development.
The summit will bring together international investors, government officials, local developers and policymakers to discuss opportunities in South Sudan’s growing real estate and infrastructure sectors. Key focus areas include land reform, sustainable housing, urban planning and foreign direct investment.
Founded in April 2022, Smart Properties Limited provides residential and commercial property management services in Juba.
At the launch event, CEO Brenda Mutuku said the summit seeks to “tell a different story” about South Sudan.
“South Sudan has the largest land mass in East Africa and the mighty Nile flowing through its capital — these are unmatched natural assets,” Mutuku said. “We are here to show the world that South Sudan is peaceful, open for business and rich with potential.”
She described the summit as a homegrown initiative designed “for South Sudanese, by South Sudanese,” aiming to foster dialogue among real estate professionals, the public and government stakeholders.
“We’re not saying all challenges will be solved in one day,” she added. “But someone has to start speaking up about the beauty and possibilities in this country.”
Mutuku also highlighted real estate and construction as key drivers of job creation, particularly for the country’s engineering graduates.
Louis Kwot Akolith, undersecretary of the Ministry of Lands and Housing, said the summit would showcase South Sudan’s commitment to urban development and policy reform.
He confirmed that the National Land Policy (2023) has been approved by the Council of Ministers and is awaiting parliamentary ratification. The ministry is also developing a digital land registry to reduce fraud and streamline transactions, he added.
Akolith said the government is pursuing public-private partnerships for major projects, including new residential neighborhoods in Juba, state governor estates and the development of Ramciel, South Sudan’s planned new capital.
Savia Aja Silvester, a coordinator at the Land Reform Unit, stressed the need for laws such as a Property Act and Physical Planning Act to enforce land policy.
“A policy without legal backing remains a book on a shelf,” she said.
George Ritti Richard, director of lands at the ministry, criticized unregulated real estate practices in Juba, calling for stricter oversight of brokers and agencies.
Officials warned that uncontrolled urban expansion, land grabbing and informal settlements are worsening congestion and pollution in the capital.
“Only through collaboration can we create inclusive, sustainable cities,” Akolith said.