Nairobi Embassy Engages Investors for South Sudanese Diaspora Business Forum

(NAIROBI) – The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Kenya has taken further steps to strengthen its engagement with South Sudanese entrepreneurs operating in the country. On 7 August 2025, a follow up consultative meeting was held at the Embassy in Nairobi, chaired by Ambassador Anthony Kon.

The meeting, organised through the Commercial and Trade Section of the Embassy, brought together a wide range of South Sudanese investors based in Kenya. These included business owners involved in logistics, real estate, food services, fashion, legal services,and refugee advocacy.

The main purpose of the engagement was to improve coordination between the Embassy and the diaspora business community. It also served to provide updates on previously agreed priorities and to explore new opportunities for partnerships and support mechanisms.

Ambassador Kon announced plans to host a one time South Sudanese Business Forum in Nairobi. The forum will be jointly organised with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), and is expected to offer a platform for South Sudanese entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, highlight common challenges and explore new avenues for collaboration.

In his remarks, the Ambassador stated that discussions are ongoing with selected Kenyan financial institutions to participate in the upcoming forum. These banks are expected to present available financing options to South Sudanese owned businesses operating legally in Kenya. The initiative is part of a broader Embassy effort to improve access to credit and capital for small and medium enterprises, many of which face challenges in accessing traditional funding sources.

Support for the business community also includes work being done at the policy level. Kon revealed that the Embassy is closely collaborating with South Sudan’s Ministry of East African Community (EAC) Affairs to accelerate the ratification of key EAC trade conventions. These instruments, once ratified, are expected to simplify cross border trade and provide wider regional market access for South Sudanese entrepreneurs.

Participants at the meeting expressed gratitude for the Embassy’s renewed focus on economic diplomacy and practical support. They also raised several issues for consideration. These included the need for improved passport processing services, initiatives to promote youth led enterprises, improved access to regional and international markets and the need to address logistical constraints that affect trade routes between Kenya and South Sudan.

One of the key concerns highlighted was the slow and inconsistent processing of official documents, which continues to affect business mobility and operational planning. Entrepreneurs also noted the high costs of transporting goods across borders, and the challenges involved in meeting dual regulatory requirements.

Kon responded by reaffirming the Embassy’s dedication to supporting South Sudanese investors and urged them to comply with Kenyan laws while striving to contribute meaningfully to both the Kenyan and South Sudanese economies.

“Success takes time and resilience,” he said. “Let us continue building businesses that not only thrive here in Kenya but also make a meaningful impact back home in South Sudan.”

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