By William Madouk
The South Sudan Gum Arabic Association (SSGAA) has called on the government to consider expanding into the global market for Gum Arabic as a viable alternative to oil exports, which are increasingly threatened by the recent drone strikes on Port Sudan by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Kuo Ajak Kuo, the Secretary General of SSGAA, highlighted the significant financial potential of Gum Arabic, noting that it could generate more revenue than crude oil. Currently, the global price for a ton of crude oil is approximately USD 500, whereas Gum Arabic is priced around $3,000 USD per ton in Juba.
“A ton of Gum Arabic on the international market is more valuable than a ton of crude oil, equivalent to about five barrels of oil,” Kuo stated at the recent Juba Economic Conference.
Kuo further emphasized the wide range of uses for Gum Arabic, including its role in the production of cancer treatments and high-quality paper used for printing currencies like the US dollar.
He pointed out that, unlike oil, which requires costly infrastructure for production and transportation, Gum Arabic can be harvested with minimal resources. The process primarily involves simple collection methods, making it more accessible and sustainable for the country.
Moreover, Kuo noted that Gum Arabic boasts a high immune-boosting content—85%, which is seven times more than that found in mother’s milk. This unique property has contributed to its increasing demand on the international market.
The SSGAA also affirmed that Gum Arabic is produced in three administrative areas and eight states in South Sudan, with the exception of Western Equatoria and Western Bahr El Ghazal. Kuo stressed that South Sudan’s Gum Arabic is considered one of the highest quality types, particularly for use in cancer treatment.
In terms of pricing, the retail price of natural Gum Arabic in the US ranges from $3.88 to $6.79 per kilogram or $1.76 to $3.08 per pound. High-grade Gum Arabic (Hashab) can sell for $3,300–$4,000 per ton internationally, while lower-grade (Talha) varieties are priced at $1,600–$1,700 per ton.
Kuo concluded that tapping into the global market for Gum Arabic could provide South Sudan with an alternative source of revenue, diversifying the economy and reducing the nation’s reliance on oil.