Juba, South Sudan – November 11, 2024
In a historic step toward greater regional connectivity and economic collaboration, South Sudan and Ethiopia have announced an ambitious new road construction project aimed at linking the Upper Nile region of South Sudan with Ethiopia’s Gambella region. The highway, which is set to begin construction next year, promises to facilitate trade and strengthen ties between the two neighboring nations.
South Sudan’s Minister of Roads and Bridges, Simon Mijok Mijak, heralded the project as a “milestone” for the people of South Sudan, during a press briefing held in Juba on Wednesday, November 6. “Today, we have good news for the people of South Sudan and the people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on the financing agreement signed in 2023,” he announced. The agreement, formalized on May 18, 2023, established a financial and logistical framework for constructing a road that will connect key areas across both countries.
The planned route will link the Ethiopian region of Gambella with several significant locations in South Sudan, including Fagak, Maiwut, Mathiang, and Paloch. By enhancing transportation infrastructure in these regions, the road is expected to strengthen commercial ties, promote economic growth, and encourage regional integration.
The project’s groundwork began with the South Sudanese Cabinet, which initiated the legal framework for the endeavor. The National Legislative Assembly in South Sudan subsequently tabled the proposal, and the Ethiopian Parliament recently agreed to move forward with its implementation.
A Broader Vision for Regional Connectivity
Minister Mijak explained that this road project represents more than just a bilateral effort. It is part of a larger vision to establish a robust transport corridor connecting Djibouti, Addis Ababa, Juba, and Kampala. The corridor, which involves cooperation between four East African countries—Djibouti, Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia—aims to create a seamless network that will bolster trade and improve people-to-people links across the region.
By enabling more efficient transportation of goods and people, the corridor is expected to stimulate economic activity and reduce the cost and time associated with cross-border trade. This could have transformative effects, particularly for landlocked South Sudan, which has historically faced challenges in accessing regional markets.
Growing Trade and Economic Benefits
Trade between South Sudan and Ethiopia has grown steadily over recent years. Ethiopia’s exports to South Sudan rose from $2.38 million in 2017 to $7.98 million in 2022, with primary exports including sorghum, hard liquor, and dried legumes. South Sudan’s exports to Ethiopia, though more modest, also increased in the same period, growing from $5.31 thousand to $15.2 thousand and consisting mainly of paper containers, plastic lids, and iron housewares.
The construction of a modern, well-connected road linking the two nations is expected to accelerate these trade flows by making it easier and more economical for businesses to reach new markets.
A Hopeful Future for Regional Integration
The announcement of the road project reflects a spirit of collaboration and a shared commitment to mutual prosperity in East Africa. Minister Mijak underscored the broader implications of the project, saying, “This is an important connectivity for regional integration.”
For the citizens of South Sudan and Ethiopia, the highway represents a step toward a future of greater economic opportunity, increased mobility, and strengthened diplomatic ties.
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