Trade between Uganda and South Sudan has risen to an estimated US$700 million, up from about US$490 million in 2019, as businesses and government officials seek to reduce border delays, regulatory barriers and transport costs affecting cross-border commerce.
The growth has reinforced South Sudan’s position as a key export market for Uganda, whose businesses supply food, construction materials, manufactured goods and other essential products to the Trade between Uganda and South Sudan has risen to an estimated US$700 million, up from about US$490 million in 2019, as businesses and government officials seek to reduce border delays, regulatory barriers and transport costs affecting cross-border commerce. country.
However, traders and private-sector representatives say lengthy customs clearance procedures, product-testing requirements, infrastructure gaps and regulatory challenges continue to increase the cost of doing business.
These issues are expected to feature prominently at the 2nd Uganda–South Sudan Business Forum and Exhibition, scheduled for October 14, 2026, at Mestil Hotel & Residences in Kampala.
The forum will bring together government officials, private-sector organizations, traders, manufacturers, investors and logistics providers to identify practical solutions to barriers affecting trade between the two countries.
It will be held under the theme, “Easing the Cost of Doing Business and Unlocking Regional Market Opportunities for Uganda and South Sudan.”
Speaking during a pre-forum briefing, Brig. Gen. Bonny Bamwiseki, Defence Attaché and Head of Mission at the Ugandan Embassy in Juba, said the countries’ longstanding cultural, historical and geographical ties provide a strong foundation for expanding commercial cooperation.
“We share the same bond and need to increase our business partnership. Our cultural and historical ties should help us mitigate the challenges that continue to affect trade as we unlock regional opportunities,” he said.
South Sudan’s Charge d’Affaires at its Embassy in Kampala, Akuol Abijok Deng, said reducing border costs and delays was essential to sustaining trade growth and improving businesses’ access to markets.
“The high costs and delays at the border affect our businesses. Our two countries must continue working together to ensure quicker access to markets and create an environment where the private sector can drive bilateral relations and unlock opportunities,” she said.
Uganda’s exports to South Sudan include grain and milling products, refined sugar, confectionery, iron and steel, cement, construction materials, beverages, processed foods, and animal and vegetable fats and oils.
South Sudan exports products such as scrap iron, scrap copper, and dried, salted or smoked fish to Uganda.
Beyond merchandise trade, commercial cooperation has also expanded into education, healthcare and construction, offering opportunities for longer-term business partnerships and investment.
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Charles Ssentongo said the next phase of cooperation should focus on practical ways to help businesses benefit from the growing market.
“We need to find pathways to enhance business between our nations and unlock the much-needed opportunities to attract investment. The conversation must also focus on the regional context beyond our individual countries,” Ssentongo said.
He said the two countries should look beyond bilateral commerce and position the trade corridor as a gateway to broader regional markets, including Sudan and the Central African Republic.
The forum is expected to address non-tariff barriers, simplify customs procedures, strengthen the use of One-Stop Border Posts, improve coordination among tax and standards authorities, and tackle infrastructure and logistics constraints.
It will also give businesses an opportunity to raise concerns directly with institutions responsible for trade facilitation and discuss practical measures to make cross-border transactions faster and more predictable.
Participants are also expected to explore opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand market access, develop regional value chains and increase the participation of women and young people in cross-border trade.
Another priority is the proposed operationalization of a Joint Permanent Investment and Business Council (JPIBC) between Uganda and South Sudan. The platform is expected to provide a structured channel for government and private-sector dialogue, monitor agreed reforms and address emerging trade and investment concerns.
The inaugural Uganda–South Sudan Business Forum was held in Juba in July 2022, bringing together business representatives and government officials from both countries.
The second forum comes as trade continues to expand, while businesses call for more efficient border systems, better infrastructure and stronger coordination between the two governments.
For Uganda and South Sudan, the challenge is to turn rising trade volumes into a more efficient and competitive commercial corridor—one that lowers costs, attracts investment and connects businesses to wider regional markets.