• EABC URGES SOUTH SUDAN PARLIAMENTARIANS TO RATIFY AfCFTA AGREEMENT

Saturday, 13^th November 2021 Arusha, Tanzania: Mr. John Bosco Kalisa has urged the Members of Parliament of the Republic of South Sudan to spearhead the quick ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement for the EAC bloc to ably tap into the 1.3 billion continental market.

Speaking during the courtesy visit by Members of Parliament of the Republic of South Sudan to the East African Business Council Headquarter in Arusha, Tanzania, Mr. Kalisa said that the AfCFTA will enable job creation of 14 million new jobs in the manufacturing sector, boost trade diversification and improve living standards for women cross border traders and SMEs.

He elaborated that the EAC Partner States are negotiating the AfCFTA as one bloc.

He said South Sudan has a competitive advantage in the livestock & agriculture sector and SMEs in leather, shea butter industries should be integrated into the regional value chain to boost production capacity and export more to the continent.

Mr. Kalisa commended the Government of the Republic of South Sudan for waiving visa fees for East Africans and safeguarding border points such as the Nimule-Juba highway.

He said that safety security facilitates the movement of goods, services and boosts economic growth.

On his part Hon. Dignmoi Ubur, MP-TNLA said,” no economy can succeed without business and the Government of South Sudan is committed to improving the business environment to attract more investments.”

He urged the East African Business Council to build the capacity of youth and women on entrepreneurship, digital technology.

On his part, Hon. Moses Evans said Mombasa port is an important trade route for South Sudan.

Hon. Mary Nyarieka said that the Republic of South Sudan has set up a Youth Enterprise Development Fund to promote self-employment, wealth & job creation.

Hon. Peter Lomede, Hon. Malek Cook, Hon Moses Evans and Ms. Animu Risasi, Consultant urged EABC to partner with EALA members and sensitize the business people in South Sudan on the opportunities availed by the EAC integration agenda and AfCFTA.

Other areas of collaboration include: improving public-private dialogue and capacity building of South Sudan National Chambers of Commerce Industries and Agriculture (SSNCCIA); supporting the formation of sectoral business associations and hosting joint regional events in the Republic of South Sudan.