South Sudan (SS) gained independence in July 2011 after decades of conflict. Since then, the government has faced multiple nation-building challenges. The greatest of them was the resumption of widespread conflict in 2013, which led to a decline in real GDP. Further, the country faces the task of building new institutions while dealing with low human and institutional capacity, diversifying revenue streams and providing basic services to its 11 million people (half of whom are illiterate and living below the poverty line). Domestic and external investment are needed for sustained growth.

The South Sudanese rely heavily on imported goods, while the economy relies heavily on oil revenue which accounts for 90% of all exports and 98% of public revenue. Global fall of oil prices have led to critical shortage of foreign exchange and devaluation of the South Sudan currency. South Sudan recently acceded to the EAC in April 2016, within which it hopes to trade more with its neighbours, strengthen its governance structures, and increase economic activity. However, it faces challenges in implementing EAC commitments.

As a priority, TMA will support the government to implement EAC commitments. Full implementation of these committments is expected to enable businesses to benefit from reduced trade costs in the region, increase opportunities to trade and compete with their regional counterparts, and as a result, create employment opportunities locally. Responding to needs in South Sudan’s institutional capacity, the programme will support long-term training and technical assistance at all levels of central, state government and the private sector.