WES, Jonglei State sign trade pact to boost regional economy

The agreement, endorsed during a Council of Ministers meeting last week on Friday in Yambio, outlines taxation and trade facilitation measures between the two states

By Emmauel Mandella

Government of Western Equatoria State (WES) has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jonglei State to collaborate on trade and industry, marking a significant step toward boosting inter-state commerce and revenue generation.

The agreement, endorsed during a Council of Ministers meeting last week on Friday in Yambio, outlines taxation and trade facilitation measures that will allow fish traders from Jonglei to transport their goods through Western Equatoria before reaching the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Speaking to the media after the council meeting, WES acting Minister of Information and Communication, who doubles as Minister of Roads, Transports and Bridges, Ann Tuna Richard, underscored the economic benefits of the agreement.

“This MoU will allow Western Equatoria to benefit from taxation. Fish traders transporting their goods from Jonglei to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will first pass through our state, where they will be taxed. This initiative will not only boost state revenue but also foster a strong trade relationship between our two sisterly states,” she explained.

Beyond taxation, Tuna said the partnership will stabilize market access and create job opportunities for traders and communities in both states.

The collaboration between the two states has been under discussion since last year when a delegation from Jonglei visited Western Equatoria and traveled to the South Sudan-DRC border to explore trade expansion opportunities.

The visit was to assess how both states could coordinate with DRC authorities for smooth cross-border fish trading.

The current MoU formalizes those discussions and is expected to unlock fresh economic potential.

Experts believe that if properly implemented, this agreement could strengthen South Sudan’s role in the regional economy by facilitating cross-border trade with DRC, a major market for fish and other commodities.

During the same meeting, the Western Equatoria government also approved several resolutions aimed at improving infrastructure and education.

A budget of $131,748.80 was allocated for constructing a new terminal and renovating the VIP lounge at Yambio Airstrip, a move aimed at enhancing air travel and trade connectivity.

To guarantee longevity in the agreement, Tuna stressed that the MoU should be legally binding.

“By approving this agreement, we are ensuring that future governments can implement it without delays. This trade deal is crucial for the economic growth of both Western Equatoria and Jonglei States”.

Economic analysts predict that this trade deal could significantly benefit South Sudan’s economy by, increasing state revenue through taxes on fish exports will provide much-needed funds for public services and infrastructure development in Western Equatoria.

The growth of the fish trade will open new employment opportunities in fishing, transportation, and local markets across the state.

Strengthening South Sudan’s regional trade ties, the agreement positions South Sudan as a key player in regional trade with DRC, potentially attracting more business and investment.

For the DRC, the deal ensures a steady supply of fish to meet local demand, stabilizing prices and food security in border regions.