South Sudan’s Vice President for the Economic Cluster, Dr. James Wani Igga, inaugurated the third edition of the Juba Economic Forum on Thursday, reaffirming the government’s commitment to enhancing the business environment for both local and foreign investors.
The Juba Economic Forum, an initiative of business unions, aims to promote economic development and prosperity in Central Equatoria State and throughout the entire country. The three-day event is set to address strategies for revitalizing the nation’s economy.
In his opening speech, Vice President Igga emphasized the government’s dedication to ensuring a secure and conducive business climate in South Sudan.
“We are committed to improving the business environment,” Igga stated. “We need more outlets to boost the sector. Our goal is to ensure that both local entrepreneurs and international investors see our beloved country and its friendly people as a welcoming hub for investment. Policies and reforms have been implemented to reduce barriers, enhance infrastructure, and guarantee security for investment.”
Josephine Joseph Lagu, South Sudan’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, urged donors and development partners to focus on supporting food production in the country.
“With the right policies, investments, and partnerships—including the use of cooperatives to transform agriculture—we can turn our agricultural sector into a thriving commercial industry,” said Lagu.
“This will drive economic growth, create jobs for our people, especially the youth, and help prevent them from engaging in negative social activities. Moreover, it will ensure food and nutrition security for all,” she added.
Stephen Lado, representing the Governor of Central Equatoria and Minister of Trade and Industry, said that the three-day forum would also focus on promoting commercial agriculture as a path to economic stability.
“The governor has already formulated a policy for the state government aimed at revitalizing cooperatives to boost agricultural production in Central Equatoria,” Lado said.
“Central Equatoria State is blessed with natural resources and serves as the host of the Republic of South Sudan. We are seeing a new wave of industrialization in the state, particularly in Juba, as business communities from both the region and abroad increasingly engage in various sectors here,” he concluded.