Fishing Without Profit in South Sudan

(OPINION / Daniel Friday Martin) – South Sudan Losing Millions from an Untapped Fishing Industry

Fishing is a vital source of employment, especially for communities living along the River Nile. It supports food security and contributes to economic growth.

In recent years, the sector has recorded a steady increase in exports and has the potential to generate millions of dollars in foreign exchange, offering an alternative to South Sudan’s heavy reliance on crude oil.

Problem statement

South Sudan’s fishing sector faces several serious challenges. These include the absence of a strong legal framework and weak enforcement of existing policies, limited access to capital, poor infrastructure, high post harvest losses, multiple taxation, weak post-harvest management systems, lack of market information and environmental and economic pressures.

Together, these problems continue to limit the sector’s ability to significantly improve food security and drive economic growth. Despite these constraints, the fisheries sector still holds strong potential for growth and investment.

Over the past several years, development organisations have provided support, mainly focusing on capacity building and value chain improvements to empower local communities.

Where does South Sudan’s fish export end?

According to local businesspeople, South Sudan exports large quantities of dried, salted and smoked fish, locally known as Samaka Rubutu and Samaga Mille, to neighbouring East African countries. These include Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR). Much of this trade takes place informally across borders.

Beyond the region, South Sudan’s salted and dried fish reportedly reaches international markets such as France, the United States, Turkey, Dubai and other countries in the Middle East.

The key question remains: Is South Sudan earning sufficient foreign currency from this profitable regional and international trade?

How can South Sudan benefit from its own fish products?

Fish products from South Sudan are in high demand in both regional and international markets. If properly managed, the sector could boost exports beyond crude oil, create jobs in processing and logistics, attract private investment, reduce reliance on imports and support economic diversification into areas such as agriculture and minerals.

However, achieving these gains requires improved infrastructure, including roads and reliable electricity, as well as policy stability. High operating costs, corruption and weak institutional capacity must be addressed. Strengthening regional trade, improving border efficiency and supporting the private sector are critical steps towards unlocking this potential.

Key policy recommendations

Infrastructure investment
Developing roads, storage and management facilities, improving border trade systems and ensuring reliable energy supply are essential to reduce transport costs and inefficiencies.

Policy and institutions
Simplifying business registration, upholding the rule of law, tackling corruption and offering clear and transparent investment incentives are crucial.

Capacity building
Enhancing skills in customs administration, trade facilitation and fish production will strengthen the sector.

Security and stability
Addressing insecurity and conflict is fundamental to sustainable trade and long-term investment.

Value addition
Investing in value addition initiatives can increase export earnings, create jobs and improve incomes for local communities.

Regional trade
Improved infrastructure, particularly road networks, can significantly enhance trade with neighbouring, regional and international markets.

Government strategy
The government should develop a clear and comprehensive strategy for the fisheries sector to improve food security, increase exports and support overall economic growth.

Conclusion

South Sudan has strong potential for economic growth within the East African Community, but this can only be realised through transparent and responsible management of its natural resources.

The government, working with development partners, should prioritise strategic investment in key non-oil sectors such as fisheries, livestock and tourism.

Improving access roads, building modern markets, investing in infrastructure, adopting favourable regional and international trade policies, and establishing fish processing plants could significantly increase non-oil revenue, create employment opportunities and ultimately improve gross domestic product (GDP) and economic growth.

Daniel Friday Martin is a multimedia professional and researcher, and an MBA student at the University of Juba. He can reached using danielfridaymartin@gmail.com.

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