Trade Ministry Taps UNDP for Economic Diversification

(JUBA) – South Sudan’s Ministry of Trade and Industry has requested further support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to help stimulate economic development, diversify trade and build capacity within government institutions.

During a meeting held on Friday, 1 August 2025, the National Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon Atong Kuol Manyang, welcomed a delegation from the UNDP led by the Country Director to review ongoing collaborations and discuss future priorities.

The meeting was also attended by Undersecretary Hon Ustaz Yel Luol Koor and other senior ministry officials.

Minister Atong acknowledged the UNDP’s long standing partnership with South Sudan, appreciating its contributions to projects that have positively impacted the country’s development.

She called on the agency to assist in designing a comprehensive policy framework focused on promoting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which she said are vital for national economic growth and job creation.

The minister said the proposed framework would help improve productivity, support local industries, and align with recommendations made during the first National Trade Forum.

In addition to policy development, she asked for technical and financial support to strengthen institutional capacity within the ministry.

Undersecretary Yel Luol Koor added a specific request for assistance in developing a centralised database system to manage and monitor South Sudan’s imports and exports. He emphasised the need for reliable trade data to inform policymaking and attract investment.

Responding to these requests, the UNDP Country Director expressed appreciation for the ministry’s proactive efforts and reiterated the agency’s commitment to supporting capacity building and economic development in South Sudan.

He acknowledged the current challenges posed by the global financial crisis and the country’s internal situation but said the UNDP remains committed to advocating for donor funding to support South Sudan’s priorities.

He assured the ministry that the UNDP would work to strengthen institutional capacity and promote development projects that can improve livelihoods and reduce economic dependency.

No financial figures were disclosed during the meeting.