Juba, South Sudan– South Sudan and Ethiopia have taken a decisive step toward deepening economic cooperation, with discussions focused on infrastructure, banking, and regional trade corridors.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit met with Ethiopian Special Envoy and Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide Mohammed, in Juba on Wednesday to explore areas of collaboration aimed at boosting regional integration.
Minister Ahmed Shide conveyed a message from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, reaffirming Addis Ababa’s commitment to building a comprehensive partnership with South Sudan.
Both leaders stressed the importance of accelerating cross-border initiatives to benefit their respective populations.
The talks highlighted joint investment opportunities in road networks, electricity transmission lines, and telecommunications infrastructure, all seen as critical to facilitating trade and development.
Discussions also touched on the potential for collaboration between the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and South Sudanese financial institutions, a move expected to enhance banking services and strengthen bilateral financial ties.
Air connectivity was another key agenda point. Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, was proposed as a strategic partner to support South Sudan’s aviation sector and improve regional air transport.
Perhaps most significantly, both sides reviewed the prospects for developing a trade and transport corridor linking South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Djibouti, which would provide Juba with direct access to global markets and reinforce Ethiopia’s role as a regional trade hub.
Government officials in Juba described the visit as a “crucial milestone” in Ethiopia–South Sudan relations, signaling a shared vision for long-term economic growth and stability.
“As President Kiir and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reaffirm their commitment, today’s discussions lay the groundwork for sustainable economic integration in the Horn of Africa,” Minister Ahmed Shide said following the meeting.
The latest engagement underscores a broader push by both countries to strengthen infrastructure links, foster cross-border trade, and promote regional prosperity through cooperative projects.