South Sudan business leaders urge new vice president to revitalize agriculture

JUBA – South Sudanese business leaders have called on newly appointed Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel, who also chairs the Economic Cluster, to prioritize the revitalization of the agriculture sector, aligning with President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s directives.

Speaking during a press conference at South supreme airline Guest House in Juba on Friday, head of the South Sudan Business Community and Employer Federation, Ayii Duang Ayii, expressed confidence in Bol Mel’s ability to drive change.

“The business community supports President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s request to revolutionize the agriculture sector in order to save the economy and reduce commodity prices,” he said.

He emphasized the potential for economic growth and price reduction through increased cultivation and distribution of local products.

Ayii pledged the business community’s cooperation and proposed an urgent conference with Bol Mel to discuss strategic steps.

Ayii also called for increased financing for farmers and empowerment of local traders to reclaim markets dominated by foreign businesses.

Julia Night Victor, Secretary General of the South Sudan Businesswomen’s Office, praised the president’s appointment of Bol Mel, highlighting the need for empowering women in business to transform the economy.

“We are confident that Bol Mel will meet all of our expectations… We are confident since he has worked with us in the business sector and now at the president,” she said.

Victor specifically requested Bol Mel to address the issue of microfinance for businesswomen.

Both Ayii and Victor stressed the importance of infrastructure development, particularly road construction, to facilitate smoother trade and remove existing logistical bottlenecks.