South Sudan and Tanzania are heading towards signing a memorandum of understanding to enhance agricultural cooperation.
Agreement to expand partnership to support food security and agricultural development
Written by: Mohamed Ragab
The governments of South Sudan and Tanzania have agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding in August 2026, aiming to enhance bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector. This move reflects the two countries' commitment to strengthening economic relations and supporting food security through the exchange of expertise and agricultural investments.
The agreement came during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the 19th meeting of the Agriculture and Food Security Sector Council of the East African Community (EAC), which was hosted by the city of Dar es Salaam, with the attendance of officials from both countries.
Cooperation in corn trade and agricultural technology transfer
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of South Sudan, Clement Juma, and the Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Tanzania, David Ernest Silinde. The two sides discussed mechanisms for expanding cooperation in the agricultural sector, with a focus on developing the maize trade, which is one of the most important strategic crops in the East African region and of which Tanzania has abundant production.
The officials also discussed ways to transfer modern agricultural expertise and technologies to South Sudan, including training programs for technical staff on modern irrigation methods, farm management, and the use of agricultural technologies that contribute to increasing production and improving the sector's efficiency.
Memorandum of Understanding for the organization of joint cooperation
The two sides agreed to formalize cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) next August, which will serve as a comprehensive framework for coordination in areas of technical training, knowledge and experience exchange, encouragement of agricultural investments, and enhancement of cooperation between relevant institutions in both countries.
The memorandum is expected to open new horizons for companies and investors, boost agricultural trade, serving the interests of both countries and supporting economic integration within the East African region.
Support food security efforts in South Sudan
The agreement comes at a time when South Sudan continues to implement plans to develop its agricultural sector and reduce its reliance on food imports, by leveraging the expertise of neighboring countries with successful agricultural experience, especially Tanzania.
The agreement reflects the East African Community's direction towards strengthening cooperation in productive sectors, especially agriculture, considering it a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development and improving food security in the region.
Officials affirm that strengthening regional partnerships in agriculture, trade, and technology transfer represents an important step towards building a more integrated economy capable of facing challenges related to climate change and rising food demand.
