New Road Corridor Deal Links South Sudan to the Sea

(JUBA) – A major road corridor project that will link South Sudan to the sea via Ethiopia and Djibouti has moved forward, while separate trade talks with Ethiopia aim to speed up cross border goods movement.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Roads and Bridges on Tuesday for Phase II of the Multinational South Sudan–Ethiopia–Djibouti Road Corridor Development Project.

Once completed, the corridor will give landlocked South Sudan a vital transport link to the port of Djibouti on the Red Sea. The deal aims to strengthen regional integration, grow trade and deepen partnership between the two ministries.

Undersecretary Ustaz Yel Luol Koor signed for the Trade Ministry, while Undersecretary Eng. Gabriel Makur Amuor signed for Roads and Bridges. Roads and Bridges Minister Lam Both witnessed the signing.

A day earlier, Trade and Industry Minister Dr Labanya Margret Mathya met Ethiopian Ambassador Delil Kedir Bushra in Juba.

They discussed strengthening trade and economic cooperation between the neighbouring countries. The Minister stressed the need to build and improve trade routes along the shared border to speed up the flow of goods and increase cross border commerce.

The Ethiopian Ambassador supported the initiative, calling for stronger trade agreements, a review of African trade deals to make the most of regional chances, and new ways to advance ties and sustainable economic growth.

In the last week of June, Minister Mathya also issued Ministerial Order Number Two of 2026, setting up Association of South Sudan Manufacturers verification offices at border posts. These offices will check imported raw materials.