Evaluating Trade Dynamics Between the East African Community (EAC) and South Sudan: Economic Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies for Strengthening Trade Relations
Publication Summary
This study evaluates the trade dynamics between South Sudan and the East African Community (EAC) by conducting a comprehensive literature review and analyzing secondary data. It focuses on trade deficits, exports performance, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows, and the impact of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs). Notwithstanding a modest increase in exports from $120 million to $150 million over the period 2020-2024, the country’s trade imbalance continues to grow, reflecting broader structural challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and weak industrial capacity. FDI inflows from EAC countries increased from $45 million to $65 million over the 2020-2024 period, indicating a growing regional interest in South Sudan. However, this investment remains limited due to political instability and governance issues, which undermine investor confidence. The reduction in NTBs, from 15 reported cases in 2020 to 10 in 2024, highlights progress in trade facilitation, but the persistence of these barriers continues to disproportionately impact South Sudan vis-à-vis other EAC members. While regional integration has brought some benefits to South Sudan, substantial barriers continue to inhibit the country from fully leveraging the EAC membership. Addressing these issues requires diversifying domestic production, improving trade facilitation, and implementing policy reforms, with implications to enable South Sudan to maximize diverse benefits as an EAC Partner State.
Bec George Anyak is a researcher with expertise in policy analysis, trade policy, budgeting, business planning, and development strategy. He also serves as a Lecturer of Economics at Upper Nile University, South Sudan. Bec earned his Bachelor of Economics from the University of Nairobi in Kenya and an MSc in Applied Economics from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, UK. He is current Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, South Sudan. Previously, Bec held senior positions, including as the State Minister of Finance in the now-defunct Eastern Lakes State Government and as a Commissioner for Yirol West County, Lakes State. His extensive experience in both academic and governmental sectors underscores his commitment to improving economic policy and development in South Sudan.