Back from UAE, Kiir Hopes for Investment Windfall from Gulf Partnerships

(Juba) – President Salva Kiir Mayardit has returned to South Sudan following an official diplomatic visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he reportedly engaged in high level meetings focused on attracting foreign investment and strengthening bilateral relations.

The President, who departed Juba on 22 June 2025, was welcomed back on 2 July at Juba International Airport by Vice President for the Economic Cluster Dr Benjamin Bol Mel and several senior government officials.

His visit is reported to have marked a strategic push to position South Sudan as an emerging destination for Gulf capital, with economic diplomacy at the centre of the mission.

During his time in the UAE, President Kiir met with Emirati business leaders and government authorities to discuss opportunities in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture and financial services.

According to Presidential Press Secretary Ambassador David Amuor Majur, the President made a strong case for investment by outlining recent reforms designed to improve South Sudan’s business climate and regulatory environment.

Government sources indicated that Kiir’s discussions also covered regional peace and security, trade relations and potential cooperation in large scale infrastructure development.

Although no formal communiqués or signed agreements were immediately announced, officials say the talks were constructive and will likely lead to follow up engagements between technical teams from both countries.

South Sudan is still navigating post conflict challenges including high inflation and currency instability and has been increasingly looking to external allies to support reconstruction and development efforts.

As of June 2025, the South Sudanese Pound trades officially at around SSP 4,600 per US dollar and at SSP 7,000 on the parallel market. In this context, attracting foreign direct investment remains a top priority for the administration, especially as the country prepares for elections in 2026 under the framework of the 2018 peace agreement.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to issue a detailed briefing on the outcomes of the trip in the coming days.