South Sudan, the youngest country in the world, may not be the first destination that comes to mind for investors. However, despite its challenges, South Sudan holds immense untapped potential across multiple sectors. As a resource-rich nation with strategic advantages, a growing economy, and a youthful population, South Sudan offers lucrative opportunities for investors willing to navigate its unique environment. Below are some of the most compelling reasons to consider investing in South Sudan.
1. Vast Natural Resources: A Wealth of Untapped Potential
South Sudan is a country rich in natural resources. Oil, which is the lifeblood of the economy, accounts for the majority of government revenue and nearly all of its export earnings. Despite its current reliance on oil, South Sudan’s reserves are still largely underexplored, leaving significant potential for further extraction and export opportunities.
Beyond oil, the country is blessed with fertile agricultural land, minerals such as gold and copper, and large water resources. Investing in the extraction and development of these resources offers promising prospects. As global demand for minerals and natural resources continues to rise, South Sudan’s wealth of natural assets remains a compelling reason for early-stage investments.
2. Strategic Location: A Gateway to East and Central Africa
South Sudan’s position at the heart of East Africa offers significant logistical and trade advantages. It shares borders with six countries—Uganda, Kenya, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic—making it a natural bridge between the markets of North, East, and Central Africa.
Investors interested in logistics, transportation, and trade can take advantage of this strategic location to build infrastructure that could serve not only South Sudan but the entire region. This geographic advantage, combined with increased regional integration efforts, positions the country as a potential trade hub that could open doors to broader markets.
—
3. Immense Agricultural Potential
South Sudan’s agricultural sector is another area brimming with potential. Over 90% of the country’s land is arable, yet less than 5% is currently cultivated. The diverse climate and rich soil allow for the growth of a wide variety of crops, including maize, millet, cassava, sugarcane, and tropical fruits. Additionally, the country has substantial opportunities for livestock farming, fisheries, and forestry.
With global demand for food rising and food security becoming a key concern, investors in agriculture can tap into both domestic and international markets. Investments in modern farming techniques, processing facilities, and value chains can bring significant returns while addressing local food needs and reducing import reliance.
4. Infrastructure Development: Building the Future
South Sudan’s infrastructure is still in its infancy, particularly in rural areas where roads, bridges, power grids, and telecommunications are severely lacking. However, this infrastructure gap presents an enormous opportunity for investors. The government has prioritized infrastructure development, and there is a growing focus on attracting private sector investment into this sector.
Building roads, airports, ports, and telecommunications networks can play a key role in transforming the economy and improving regional trade. These projects offer significant opportunities for private investors, particularly in sectors like construction, telecommunications, and transportation.
5. Renewable Energy: A Growing Sector
South Sudan’s energy sector is currently dominated by oil, but the country also has vast potential for renewable energy, particularly from solar, wind, and hydroelectric sources. With abundant sunshine year-round and untapped water resources, South Sudan could harness renewable energy to power its economic growth and provide reliable electricity to rural areas, many of which currently lack access to the national grid.
Investing in solar farms, small-scale hydropower plants, and decentralized energy solutions could bring high returns, especially as demand for cleaner, more sustainable energy increases. This is also aligned with the global shift towards renewable energy investments, making South Sudan a frontier market in this space.
6. Youthful and Growing Workforce
South Sudan has one of the youngest populations in the world, with around 70% of its people under the age of 30. This youthful demographic presents a long-term economic advantage. With proper education, training, and investment, this large pool of young people can be turned into a productive workforce capable of driving economic development.
Investors in education, vocational training, and healthcare can play a crucial role in improving human capital, making it more competitive for future industries. This youthful population also represents a growing consumer market, particularly in sectors like technology, entertainment, and consumer goods.
7. Improving Political and Economic Stability
While South Sudan has faced political instability since its independence in 2011, the country has shown signs of progress, particularly with the signing of the Revitalized Peace Agreement in 2018. The peace deal has helped reduce conflict, creating a more stable environment for businesses to operate in.
The government has also taken steps to improve the business climate by implementing reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment, including establishing frameworks for better governance, transparency, and economic development. Investors are increasingly recognizing these improvements, which point toward a more stable future.
8. Opportunities for High Return on Investment
South Sudan remains a high-risk, high-reward market. Investors who enter early have the potential to earn significant returns as the country develops. Sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, and energy are largely untapped, providing first-mover advantages for companies willing to take the plunge.
The relatively low level of competition in many industries, coupled with strong demand for basic services and products, means that investors can capture large market shares. Furthermore, the possibility of development financing and support from international partners can help mitigate some of the risks involved.
9. Growing International Support and Partnerships
South Sudan continues to receive support from international development organizations and countries that are invested in its future. Institutions such as the World Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the United Nations are active in the country, offering funding, technical expertise, and support for development projects. This growing international presence helps stabilize the economy and create a more conducive environment for investment.
As an example, Pesabase, a blockchain based remittance platform operating in South Sudan is changing the financial landscape of families living in South Sudan. With almost instant and secure money transfers, sending money to South Sudan from overseas is about to become cheaper and faster than ever before. All users will need is a smart phone with the mobile app and an internet connection to make it happen.
For investors, international support means that critical infrastructure projects, as well as political and economic reforms, are more likely to be sustained. This provides a safety net that can reduce the risks of operating in a post-conflict environment.
Conclusion
Investing in South Sudan presents a unique opportunity for those willing to engage with a frontier market poised for transformation. The country’s rich natural resources, agricultural potential, strategic location, and large youthful workforce make it an attractive destination for investors with a long-term perspective.
While the challenges of political stability and underdeveloped infrastructure remain, the combination of high growth potential, government reform, and international support suggests that South Sudan is on the cusp of significant development. Early investors who navigate the risks could find themselves at the forefront of one of Africa’s most promising emerging economies.