Yei Traders Urge Quick Action on Dry Port Agreement

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Residents and traders in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State, have welcomed the government’s plan to build a dry port in the area following a new agreement between South Sudan and Djibouti.

The deal was signed on 18 August 2025 in Djibouti City by South Sudan’s Minister of Transport, Dr Lam Akol Ajawin, and Djibouti’s Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Moussa Ahmed Hassan.

Officials say the facility will serve as a key centre for goods moving into and out of South Sudan. Farmers, traders and transport companies are expected to benefit through reduced costs, faster delivery times and improved market access.

Prominent Yei businessman Bosco Joseph described the project as a major step forward for economic development. He said Yei’s location on the borders with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) makes it an ideal trade hub.

“If this project is implemented as stated by the transport minister, it will boost economic growth in the country. Yei’s borders with Uganda and DR Congo make it a highly strategic town,” he said.

Local residents also urged the government to move quickly from planning to implementation. Samson Diliga, a trader, said people in Yei fear the project could be delayed or diverted elsewhere.

“Our leaders are good at talking but poor at implementation. We want this project in Yei, not shifted to other states, because Yei is critical for business and economic growth,” he said.

Another trader, Malish Desmond, noted that while Yei has favourable conditions for business, it lacks fuel depots that could generate significant revenue through sales to Uganda and DR Congo.

“If the government had a proper business strategy, Yei would already be a hub feeding Uganda and DR Congo with fuel supplies. Traders in Congo, Central Africa and Uganda travel long distances to Kenya to import petroleum products. A dry port in Yei would solve many challenges,” he said.

The agreement also covers construction and rehabilitation of river ports in Malakal, Renk, Nasir, Adok, Shambe, Bor and Juba. These developments are expected to link South Sudan more effectively with its neighbours and the wider African Great Lakes region.

According to the Ministry of Transport, Djibouti’s long experience in managing ports will provide South Sudan with technical expertise. Djibouti already serves as a trade route for landlocked countries in East Africa, and the partnership is expected to help South Sudan strengthen its own trade routes.

The ministry added that improved transport links will also benefit humanitarian operations by allowing faster delivery of relief supplies.

It is not yet clear when construction will begin or how much the project will cost.