South Sudan Seeks Russian Help on River Transport

(Juba) – The Russian Federation has expressed its interest in supporting South Sudan’s efforts to improve and expand its transport infrastructure. The announcement was made during a meeting between South Sudan’s National Minister for Transport, Hon. Lam Akol, and Russian Deputy Minister for Transport, Zverev Dmitry, on the sidelines of the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum.

According to Minister Lam Akol, both parties agreed to develop a common program aimed at making the collaboration practical and results-oriented. He indicated that the details of the cooperation would be finalized within weeks or a month, following further planning and assessment.

Russian Deputy Minister Zverev Dmitry confirmed that Moscow is working on preparing a memorandum of understanding (MoU), which will outline the key infrastructure projects Russia is ready to support in South Sudan. Dmitry specified that the areas of interest include railway, air, and river transport systems.

South Sudan has long struggled with inadequate infrastructure, particularly in the transport sector. Although some progress was made following the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, including attempts to reconnect regional transport routes and improve port and airstrip facilities, much of the country remains poorly linked by road, with river and air travel options underutilized.

The country’s only railway line, inherited from the Sudanese era, remains in need of major rehabilitation. River transport along the Nile and other waterways is also limited by lack of investment in docks, ferries, and navigational systems. Air transport, while liberalized, suffers from poor airport facilities and limited connectivity.

If the proposed cooperation with Russia moves forward, it could mark one of the most significant bilateral infrastructure engagements since independence. South Sudanese officials say the country is open to partnerships that can boost connectivity, improve economic access, and reduce costs for both people and businesses.

While no specific figures or project costs were shared, major transport infrastructure programs in South Sudan typically run into billions of US dollars. For comparison, upgrading just one medium-size airport could cost upwards of 50 billion South Sudanese Pounds at current rates. Developing a functional railway corridor or river port would require considerably more.

Officials from both governments are expected to meet again once the memorandum is ready, with potential implementation discussions likely to begin later in 2025.