South Sudan plans to establish a railway network to boost trade with regional markets.

Written by: Mohamed Ragab

The government of South Sudan is preparing to launch feasibility studies for the establishment of a national railway network, a strategic move aimed at developing the transportation sector, enhancing economic integration with neighboring countries, and supporting sustainable development efforts in one of the world's newest independent nations.

The project comes as part of a government plan aimed at modernizing the transportation infrastructure, improving the movement of goods and people, and opening new horizons for investment and trade. This will contribute to stimulating the national economy and reducing reliance on traditional land transportation, which faces significant challenges due to poor infrastructure and high operating costs.

Strategic project to connect South Sudan with neighboring countries

South Sudan's Minister of Roads and Bridges, Peter Lam Both, said that the ministry is preparing to begin feasibility studies for the project, emphasizing that the establishment of a national railway network will be a qualitative leap in the transportation sector, and will contribute to connecting the country with neighboring countries, which will enhance trade movement and facilitate the transportation of goods between South Sudan and regional markets.

The minister explained that the project is part of a broader government vision to develop infrastructure and transform South Sudan into a hub connecting East and Central African countries, which will support investment and enhance economic growth opportunities.

Developing trade corridors with Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo

The minister pointed out that the government is working on developing the main land corridors connecting South Sudan with Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He explained that these corridors will contribute to facilitating the flow of goods, reducing transportation costs, and shortening the time for goods to arrive, which will positively reflect on commercial activity within the country and with neighboring countries.

He added that improving transportation networks will also lead to strengthening connectivity between local communities, supporting mobility, and providing new investment opportunities in the trade, services, and industry sectors.

Regional cooperation for infrastructure development

The statements of the Minister of Roads and Bridges came at the conclusion of the East African Sectoral Council on Transport, Communications, and Meteorology, which was held in Arusha, Tanzania. Participants discussed ways to develop regional transport networks and strengthen integration among East African Community member states.

The regional bloc pays great attention to cross-border infrastructure projects, as they are a key driver for increasing intra-regional trade, improving the movement of goods and services, and promoting economic development in the region.

The importance of railways to the South Sudanese economy

Experts believe that establishing a railway network in South Sudan could represent a significant transformation for the national economy, especially since the country relies heavily on road transport, which is affected by seasonal rains and poor roads.

The project can also contribute to a more efficient transportation of oil, agricultural products, and commercial goods, in addition to encouraging foreign investments in the transportation and logistics sectors, which will support the government's plans to diversify the economy and reduce trade costs.

Feasibility studies are expected to identify proposed pathways, funding mechanisms, and implementation timelines, paving the way for the launch of one of South Sudan's largest infrastructure projects in the coming years.