KAMPALA —A landmark agreement between Uganda and the Central African Republic (CAR) to build a connecting road is set to boost trade with South Sudan, amid efforts to strengthen regional economic ties.
The deal, announced after CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadéra met Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in Kampala, aims to increase trade volumes and facilitate the movement of goods between the three nations.
Trade between Uganda and South Sudan stood at $180m in 2022, while Uganda-CAR trade was valued at $10m. South Sudan-CAR trade reached $5m in the same year. Experts predict significant growth in bilateral trade once the road project is completed.
South Sudan’s underdeveloped road network has long hindered trade. According to the World Bank, the country has only 300km of sealed roads, with one sealed international highway linking Juba to Uganda. Most interstate roads consist of badly or non-maintained dirt roads.
The stalled Juba-Lainya-Yei-Morobo-Kaya highway, also known as Aggrey Jaden Road, aims to connect South Sudan to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
President Museveni vowed to persuade South Sudan to build a road from Yei to the highway, linking the country to Uganda and CAR.
“This project will integrate our economies and create opportunities for businesses,” said CAR President Touadéra.
Key statistics:
Uganda-South Sudan trade: $180m (2022)
Uganda-CAR trade: $10m (2022)
South Sudan-CAR trade: $5m (2022)
Sealed roads in South Sudan: 300km
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