South Sudan, Russia to Boost Cooperation in Agriculture, Investment

By Awan Achiek

South Sudan and Russia are seeking to strengthen bilateral cooperation in agriculture, capacity building, and investment as they explore opportunities to expand economic ties.

This initiative follows a meeting held in Juba on Thursday between Clement Juma Mbugoniwia, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, and Aleksandr Kosmodemiyanskiy, Russian Ambassador to South Sudan, at the Russian Embassy.

The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation in the agricultural sector, developing technical capacity, and creating opportunities for Russian investment in South Sudan.

Discussions centered on transforming the agriculture sector, trade, investment, and capacity building.

Minister Juma outlined plans to transition South Sudan from rain-fed farming to irrigation. He highlighted agricultural mechanization, climate-smart practices, and seed modernization as key areas where the ministry is seeking Russian support.

Juma also emphasized the urgent need to adopt agro-processing systems to mitigate the severe risks posed by the ongoing dry spell.

Ambassador Kosmodemiyanskiy underscored the importance of strengthening corporate cooperation between the two nations.

He mentioned an existing draft agreement on cooperation between South Sudan and Russia, which will provide a crucial legal framework for bilateral trade and investment.

He announced that a Russian business delegation would visit South Sudan next month.

The delegation is expected to engage in discussions on investment opportunities across various sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, mining, fertilizer production, and agricultural product processing.

South Sudan and Russia established diplomatic relations shortly after South Sudan gained independence in July 2011.

Russia formally recognized South Sudan’s independence on July 11, 2011, with diplomatic relations established on July 22, 2011.

Russia was represented at South Sudan’s independence celebrations in Juba by Mikhail Margelov, who conveyed a message from then-President Dmitry Medvedev to President Salva Kiir.