Carnak Factory Showcases Private Sector Resilience in Yei County

(YEI TOWN, YEI RIVER COUNTY) – The Carnak Tobacco Factory in Yei River County has emerged as a key focus of South Sudan’s industrial development agenda following a high level visit by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Atong Kuol Manyang, and a senior ministerial delegation.

The visit underlined the national government’s priority on strengthening manufacturing, expanding private sector activity and creating jobs as part of wider efforts to diversify the economy.

Officials said factories such as Carnak play an important role in building domestic production capacity and supporting local economies, particularly in counties like Yei River County where industry and agriculture are closely linked.

Manufacturing sectors, including agro processing and light industry, remain central to the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s strategy to increase value addition, generate steady employment and improve domestic revenue.

The Carnak Tobacco Factory was presented as a practical example of how local manufacturing can contribute to economic activity despite operating challenges.

As one of the more established manufacturing facilities in the country, the Carnak Tobacco Factory was used as a case study in private sector resilience. The ministerial delegation assessed the scale of operations, reviewed its role within the local and national supply chain and discussed regulatory and logistical issues affecting manufacturers across South Sudan.

Speaking during the visit, Minister Atong Kuol Manyang said the government’s engagement with the factory was intended to go beyond observation. She said the visit was meant to strengthen partnership between government and manufacturers and to support industrial development as a foundation for economic progress.

She praised the factory’s management and workforce for sustaining operations and providing employment in Yei River County, noting the contribution this makes to social and economic stability.

The minister acknowledged that industrial growth continues to face constraints, including infrastructure gaps, supply chain costs and regulatory coordination.

She said the Ministry of Trade and Industry is working to streamline procedures and respond to concerns raised by manufacturers, adding that issues discussed during the visit, including operational costs and access to inputs, will be presented at cabinet level to help align national policies with conditions on the ground.

The delegation was received in Yei by the Commissioner of Yei River County, Emmanuel Taban Seme, alongside the Central Equatoria State Minister for Trade and Industry, Stephen Ladu Onesimo.

The county commissioner welcomed the national delegation and described the visit as important for strengthening cooperation between national authorities, state leadership and local communities.

He said Yei River County has remained relatively calm, attributing this to ongoing collaboration between leaders and residents, which has helped sustain economic activity.

Minister Atong Kuol Manyang thanked the county leadership for the reception and commended efforts to maintain peace and stability. She said the main purpose of her visit to Yei was to assess the operations of Carnak South Sudan, a tobacco producing factory based in the county, and to identify ways the ministry can support its growth and long term viability.

Following discussions at the county offices, Commissioner Emmanuel Taban led the national and state officials to the Carnak Tobacco Factory. The delegation toured the facility and held detailed talks with the general manager, Jean Pierre Samputu. Discussions covered day to day operations, production capacity, workforce issues and possible future expansion of the factory.

Carnak South Sudan began operations in January 2013 and currently employs more than 150 workers, around 90 percent of whom are South Sudanese nationals. This makes the factory a significant source of employment and skills development in Yei River County and highlights its role in supporting the local economy.

Local authorities said the county administration remains committed to supporting investors and creating an environment that encourages industrial growth, peace and sustainable development.

The visit to the Carnak Tobacco Factory was described as a clear signal of continued government support for private sector led growth in Yei River County and across South Sudan.