Finance Chief Seeks Affordable Housing Investment at Horn of Africa Forum in Nairobi

(JUBA) – South Sudan’s Minister of Finance and Planning, Hon. Dr. Marial Dongrin Ater, has returned to Juba after leading the country’s delegation to the 25th Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) meeting, which was held in Nairobi, Kenya.

The forum brought together finance ministers from the seven member states, along with key development partners and representatives from international financial institutions.

The central theme of this year’s meeting was Digital Integration for Economic Transformation in Africa. Delegates discussed ways to strengthen regional and national partnerships aimed at unlocking the benefits of digital integration to support economic development.

South Sudan’s delegation emphasised that digital connectivity is essential to improve trade, generate employment and build resilience to economic disruptions, including those caused by climate change.

Dr. Dongrin highlighted the need for harmonised investment policies in agriculture, which would benefit farmers and entrepreneurs across the region and promote inclusive growth.

Alongside the main event, Minister Dongrin held several bilateral meetings. He met with Dr. Ndiame Diop, World Bank Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa, to discuss technical and financial support for South Sudan’s macroeconomic reforms, human capital development and the financing of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

In a separate session, the minister also held talks with representatives from Shelter Afrique Development Bank on increasing investment in affordable housing for both the public and private sectors in South Sudan. With rising demand for housing, the initiative could benefit middle and low income earners across the country.

Dongrin also met Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Treasury and Economic Planning, Hon. John Mbadi. The two officials discussed ways to enhance cooperation in treasury management and the banking sector.

They also agreed to explore opportunities for joint benchmarking exercises and study tours between South Sudan and Kenya aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and sharing best practices.

A key highlight of the Nairobi meeting was the announcement that South Sudan will assume the chairmanship of the Horn of Africa Initiative during the next leadership rotation.

This marks a significant step in the country’s growing involvement in regional economic cooperation.