King Media — South Sudan’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Labanya Margret, has called for the adoption and implementation of the country’s National Trade Policy, saying it could drive economic growth, create jobs, and reduce dependence on oil exports.
Speaking during a validation workshop in Juba on October 20–21, 2026, Dr. Margret urged stakeholders to ensure the policy is passed after years of efforts to develop a framework to guide the country’s trade and investment.
She said the policy must move beyond paper commitments to deliver practical benefits, including stronger domestic industries, improved skills, innovation and better opportunities for young people.
Dr. Margret emphasized the need to develop South Sudan’s non-oil sectors, particularly agriculture and other productive industries, arguing that the country has significant resources that remain underutilized.
She also called for stronger consumer protection, improved standards for goods and services, and measures to protect traders from misinformation and cyber-related risks. She urged greater support for young people to become entrepreneurs and create businesses rather than rely solely on formal employment.
UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Mohamed Abchir echoed the call for action, describing the National Trade Policy as a national framework that affects the entire population, not just the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
“The policy being validated today is not for the Ministry of Trade. It is a country policy,” Dr. Abchir said, highlighting its potential to diversify exports, strengthen local businesses and improve South Sudan’s participation in regional and international markets.
The two-day workshop brought together government institutions, development partners, private sector representatives and other stakeholders to review the draft National Trade Policy Framework and the Enhanced Integrated Framework’s Third-Tier Country Programme Document.
The validation process aims to refine policy priorities, identify key value chains for development and establish a framework for implementation and monitoring.
The proposed policy is expected to support economic diversification, strengthen domestic and regional trade, improve the business environment and expand opportunities for women, young people and small and medium-sized enterprises.