The drive to advance regional trade integration across the Horn of Africa took center stage in Juba as stakeholders gathered for South Sudan’s National Trade Consultation on the revision of the Horn of Africa Initiative (HoAI) Regional Trade Facilitation Roadmap.
Organized and facilitated by the HoAI Secretariat in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Republic of South Sudan, the consultation brought together representatives from key government institutions, including the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Finance and Planning, the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards, and other public and private sector stakeholders. Participants reviewed regional trade priorities and identified actions to strengthen economic cooperation and trade facilitation across the region.
The consultation forms part of a series of national engagements being conducted across HoAI member states to ensure that the revised Regional Trade Facilitation Roadmap reflects national priorities while advancing a shared regional vision for economic integration. Similar consultations have already been held in other member countries, helping to build consensus ahead of upcoming regional discussions and ministerial engagements.
In her remarks, Hon. Dr. Margaret Labanya Mathya, Minister of Trade and Industry of the Republic of South Sudan, emphasized that digitalization is the future of trade facilitation and economic transformation, calling on South Sudan to embrace innovation and work collectively to accelerate the country's development agenda. She underscored the importance of leveraging digital solutions to improve trade processes, enhance efficiency, and unlock new economic opportunities for businesses and communities.
Discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring that the revised roadmap remains aligned with national development priorities while advancing a shared regional vision focused on strengthening cooperation among member states, improving regional connectivity, reducing trade barriers, facilitating cross-border trade, and promoting inclusive economic development across the Horn of Africa.
Participants welcomed the opportunity to contribute their perspectives to the roadmap revision process, recognizing that enhanced trade facilitation, digital transformation, and stronger regional cooperation are essential for boosting competitiveness, attracting investment, and fostering sustainable economic growth. The outcomes of the consultation will help inform discussions at forthcoming HoAI meetings, including preparations for the next Trade Ministers’ Meeting, where member states will review progress and agree on priorities for advancing regional trade integration.
As the Horn of Africa continues to deepen economic cooperation, South Sudan’s active engagement demonstrates its commitment to building more efficient trade systems, stronger economic linkages, and greater prosperity for communities across the region through the Horn of Africa Initiative.
#HoAI #SouthSudan #TradeFacilitation