Why South Sudan Should Support Local Companies in its Development Agenda

By Jacob Majok Anthony

South Sudan, endowed with vast natural resources and a youthful population, stands on the threshold of significant economic potential. However, to transition from a resource-dependent economy to a resilient and sustainable one, the country must prioritize its local companies as key players in its development agenda.

Empowering these businesses is not merely an economic strategy but a nation-building necessity that can catalyze growth, create jobs, and ensure the equitable distribution of wealth.

Local companies are the backbone of any thriving economy. They drive growth by harnessing domestic resources, creating employment opportunities, and stimulating entrepreneurship. In South Sudan, where unemployment is high, supporting local businesses in the energy and gas sector, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and services can help absorb the country’s burgeoning workforce.

For instance, most of the local oil firms in the oil sector have demonstrated the potential to contribute to economic diversification and job creation.

Therefore, investing in local enterprises can also enhance the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by promoting industries that generate value-added goods and services. By prioritizing these businesses, South Sudan can reduce its dependency on international markets and shift towards a more self-reliant economic model.

A major challenge for South Sudan is the outflow of wealth through foreign companies that dominate key sectors. Profits earned by these firms are often repatriated, limiting the funds available for reinvestment in the local economy. In contrast, local companies reinvest their profits within the country, benefiting communities directly through infrastructure projects, education, and healthcare services.

For example, when local firms manage natural resource extraction, such as oil or mining, the revenues are more likely to be allocated to development projects that meet the needs of the South Sudanese people. This wealth retention creates a ripple effect, fostering economic stability and national prosperity.

South Sudan heavily relies on imports for goods and services, which drains foreign currency reserves and exposes the economy to global market shocks. Supporting local production through small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can reduce this dependency. For instance, promoting local agricultural processing companies can enhance food security and lower the cost of imported food products. Similarly, investing in local construction firms can accelerate infrastructure development without the financial burden of importing materials and expertise.

By strengthening local supply chains, South Sudan can establish a more resilient economy, less susceptible to external disruptions.
Local companies are instrumental in fostering skills development and innovation. They provide a platform for young South Sudanese professionals to gain practical experience, thereby building a skilled workforce. Moreover, local entrepreneurs understand the unique challenges of their communities and can develop tailored solutions that address these issues more effectively than foreign companies.
Initiatives, that connect local businesses with global opportunities, highlight the potential for South Sudanese innovation to flourish. Supporting such companies will cultivate a culture of creativity and adaptability that is critical for long-term development.

Economic independence is integral to South Sudan’s sovereignty. Over-reliance on foreign companies does not only create economic vulnerabilities but also diminishes the nation’s control over its resources and development trajectory.

By empowering local companies to take the lead in key sectors, South Sudan can safeguard its wealth, strengthen its autonomy, and foster a sense of national pride.

Local companies are deeply rooted in their communities and are better positioned to contribute to inclusive development. Their growth directly impacts local economies, reducing regional disparities and fostering social cohesion. For instance, when local businesses thrive, they create opportunities for marginalised groups, such as women and youth, ensuring that the benefits of development are widely shared.

South Sudan’s development agenda must prfioritize local companies as engines of economic growth and resilience. By creating jobs, retaining wealth, reducing imports, and fostering innovation, these businesses can lay the foundation for a self-reliant and prosperous nation.

The government, private sector, and international partners must work together to support local enterprises, ensuring their success translates into broader societal benefits. Supporting local companies is not only an investment in the economy but also a commitment to the empowerment and dignity of the South Sudanese people. For information, reach to me at Anthonymajok@gmail.com