South Sudan set for first major investment summit

South Sudan will next week host its first international investment submit since independence as it looks to attract much-needed investors.

Officials said the meeting would bring together international companies and local agencies to explore investment opportunities in the infant nation.

Mr Simon Nyang Anei, the undersecretary in the ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment, said South Sudan would also outline its key government investment priorities during the March 20-22 summit.

"South Sudan is now open for business and we are steadily moving towards integration into the economic community where goods, capital and services will freely reach various markets in the region," Mr Nyang said Saturday.

The conference, he said, would highlight the abundant potential investment opportunities now available in South Sudan after decades of war.

This is the first time South Sudan is hosting such a conference. The country, that seceded from the north last July, relies mainly on imported goods.

Country Wide Investment Ltd has partnered with the Juba government to organise the conference.

"As we showcase the opportunities that South Sudan offers, we shall also discuss the possibilities in joint partnerships and direct investments in the region,” Mr Nyang said.

Shown interest

South Sudan encourages international investors to participate in key sectors such as commercialising agriculture and renewable energy and in industry and ICT.

Major investment companies have already indicated their interest in potential sectors such as the country's agriculture.

Neighbours such as Kenya have already been active in scouting for new opportunities.

Kenyan private sector companies last week conducted a trade fair and exhibition to display their scope.

Kenyan Ambassador to South Sudan Cleveland Leshore urged Kenyan companies to “break new grounds.”

"I encourage Kenyan investors and companies to give opportunities to South Sudanese nationals by offering them employment opportunities … or even mentoring them into business," Mr Leshore said.