(YAMBIO, WES) – Western Equatoria State Caretaker Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa has met with Japan’s new Ambassador to South Sudan, Shinji Matsui, to discuss development priorities and cooperation, the Office of the Governor reported in October 2026.
The discussions focused on education, healthcare, capacity building, youth and women’s empowerment, urban water supply, modern agriculture, technology and trade.
Governor Rimbasa said peacebuilding and wealth creation are important to reducing poverty and strengthening the resilience of communities.
“Peacebuilding and prosperity through wealth creation are essential to reducing poverty and enhancing resilience among our people,” Rimbasa said.
The governor also stressed the importance of modern farming and technology in improving livelihoods and creating economic opportunities for the people of Western Equatoria State.
The meeting follows the arrival of Ambassador Matsui in Juba on 21st September 2026, as reported by Sudans Post. Matsui said he was honoured to begin his first diplomatic assignment in South Sudan and Africa, and expressed readiness to work with South Sudanese institutions.
Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists Matsui’s appointment as taking effect on 12th August 2026.
Matsui has said Japan will continue to support South Sudan’s efforts toward lasting peace and self-reliance through humanitarian assistance, bilateral cooperation, and engagement with international and regional partners.
He highlighted Japan’s contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations in South Sudan, including the deployment of personnel from the Japan Self-Defense Forces.
He also pointed to existing areas of cooperation, including infrastructure development, vocational training, educational opportunities, humanitarian assistance, and support for displaced and conflict-affected communities.
Matsui cited projects implemented through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, including bridge construction and water tower installation in Juba, as examples of the partnership between the two countries.
He also mentioned cooperation involving South Sudanese athletes and Japanese communities, including exchanges inspired by the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games and support from Maebashi City.
Western Equatoria State has been working to strengthen agricultural production and food security. The Dawn Newspaper reported in September 2026 that the government, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, has been urging farmers to boost production through rural development initiatives.
Yona Robert Mark, Western Equatoria State’s Minister of Cooperatives, said the Rural Enterprises for Agricultural Development project is designed to enhance food security and increase income levels in the state.
Africa Press reported in April 2026 that the state government unveiled a fleet of 20 tractors in Yambio to boost food production, donated by the Chinese government.
Governor Rimbasa said at the launch that the initiative was part of a broader strategy to move from subsistence farming to more efficient, large-scale production.
“This is a key step in transforming agriculture in our state. The tractors will enhance farming efficiency, reduce manual labour, and help communities increase crop yields,” he said.
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