South Sudan’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), on Tuesday validated a national e-commerce policy and strategy aimed at promoting digital trade and private sector development.
E-commerce, or electronic commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet.
Speaking at a validation workshop in Juba, Trade and Industry Undersecretary Yel Luol Kor said the government has implemented a series of reforms — including the establishment of e-commerce hubs and new policies — to enhance economic openness, diversification and industrialization.
“Our country has taken numerous steps to liberalize its economy and scale up industrialization,” Luol said. “We have adopted inclusive and sustainable development models that offer better opportunities for all, without leaving anyone behind.”
Luol said the reforms have increased investment, trade and economic growth, and have attracted foreign direct investment.
He noted that the government, in partnership with UNDP and the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), had established a fully equipped e-commerce hub at the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The hub provides internet access, communication tools and business development support services aimed at enabling citizens to participate in digital trade.
Luol said the draft policy and strategy were informed by a review of trade-related reports, consultations held from Aug. 12–13, and feedback from key stakeholders. He said the strategy outlines key challenges and policy recommendations to support the country’s National Development Strategy (NDS).
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Sheila Ngatia reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting South Sudan’s digital and trade transformation.
“UNDP has been proud to work with the Government of South Sudan in advancing trade and digital transformation,” she said. “Together, we developed the South Sudan Competition Bill to promote efficiency, protect consumers, and strengthen the productive sector.”
Ngatia added that the partnership also supported the launch of “Dukaanye,” South Sudan’s digital marketplace, as well as broader efforts such as trade policy development, regional integration into the East African Community, and World Trade Organization accession processes.
She said UNDP has contributed to key trade-related studies, including the Trade for Peace and Resilience Report, the Diagnostic Trade Integration Study, and the final assessment on the implementation of the EAC Customs Union and Common Market protocols.