South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The Minister of Investment, Joseph Mum Majak, has urged both global and local investors to direct their resources towards South Sudan, describing this as a defining moment for the country’s economic future.
In his address during the opening of the Real Estate Summit on Thursday, Majak stated that this gathering signifies a significant step forward in their shared vision of a prosperous future for South Sudan.
He emphasised that real estate development encompasses more than just the construction of buildings.
“Real estate is about building communities, creating jobs, and laying the foundation for long-term economic growth,” Majak noted.
He reassured attendees of the government’s commitment to fostering a stable and transparent environment for both local and international investors.
“We are here today to form partnerships, share ideas, and seize the opportunities before us,” Majak added. “To our international guests, thank you for believing in South Sudan. To our local stakeholders, your efforts are the backbone of our progress.”
Meanwhile, the Undersecretary at the Ministry of Land, Housing, and Urban Development, Louis Kwot, urged international investors to take advantage of the opportunities available within South Sudan’s land, housing, and urban development sectors.
“We want to showcase the best opportunities presented by South Sudan’s emerging market,” Kwot said. “With its strategic location, high demand for housing, and government reforms—particularly in land reform and urban development—the country is ripe for investment.”
He added that the Ministry is dedicated to creating a conducive investment environment, noting that several reforms and new projects are already underway to transform South Sudan’s urban landscapes.
“We are working hard to develop a robust framework to facilitate investment,” Kwot explained. “The ministry has tasked a committee with formulating enabling policies, facilitating land acquisition, and conducting due diligence on viable projects.”
According to Kwot, a key step in this process is the ongoing development of a new land policy, which is currently before Parliament. Additionally, a Land Reform Unit has been established to oversee its implementation. The ministry is also working on a digital land registry system to ensure greater transparency and efficiency in land transactions.
As the capital, Juba, continues to expand rapidly, the challenges of informal settlements and inadequate urban planning have become growing concerns. Kwot acknowledged these issues, assuring the summit’s participants that efforts are already in place to address them.
“We are working closely with state authorities to resolve the issue of informal settlements and to introduce inclusive urban planning principles,” Kwot said. “Our aim is to ensure that development is both sustainable and equitable.”
Kwot emphasised that these ongoing reforms are crucial for establishing a well-planned and thriving urban environment in South Sudan. He concluded by urging local and international investors to collaborate in transforming the country’s urban development landscape.
However, the CEO of Smart Properties Ltd in South Sudan, Brenda Mutuku, stated that this is the first time the Summit is being held in Juba. “As Smart Properties, we are happy to welcome investors and interact for the future development of the country.”
The summit is expected to continue sparking dialogue on how best to unlock South Sudan’s real estate potential, with key policy and investment discussions shaping the future trajectory of the sector.
