The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
Facilitating cross-border trade in Africa
A landmark project will transform cross-border trade in South Sudan, fostering economic integration and job creation.
The border post at Nimule, South Sudan – located near the Ugandan border – is not currently fully operational. This makes it difficult for customs and immigration procedures to be conducted jointly between South Sudan and Uganda, hampering trade between the two countries.
With €10 million in funding from the European Union (EU), UNOPS and TradeMark Africa are working together to improve infrastructure at the border post and reduce trade barriers.
The four-year Nimule One-Stop Border Post Project will facilitate cross-border trade by helping to streamline customs and immigration procedures between South Sudan and Uganda.
Part of the EU Global Gateway Africa–Europe Investment Package – which supports sustainable development and stronger economic ties between Africa and Europe – the project will enhance regional trade, improve infrastructure and drive economic integration.
As part of the project, UNOPS will oversee infrastructure development, including constructing a climate-resilient administration building and a dedicated women and youth market to support small-scale cross-border traders.
The project was officially launched during a workshop with local partners and communities that was organized to validate the project objectives and ensure alignment with national priorities.
By working together with our partners, we are creating the conditions for smoother trade flows, job opportunities and long-term economic growth for our people.
“Today’s event is not just about launching the project. It is also about ensuring that the voices of government, private sector and civil society are heard and reflected," said Massimo Scalorbi, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to South Sudan.
"We are building ownership and accountability from the very beginning, which is key to delivering sustainable infrastructure and trade facilitation reforms that benefit South Sudanese communities" said Petronella Halwiindi, the UNOPS Country Manager in South Sudan.
TradeMark Africa – a non-profit organization that promotes regional trade and economic integration across Africa – will focus on capacity building, automating trade processes, and strengthening quality and safety inspections at the border.
"By upgrading infrastructure and streamlining trade processes, we are not only reducing transaction costs and unlocking new economic opportunities, but also building trust among countries along the transport corridor and laying a strong foundation for sustainable regional integration," said Anna Nambooze, Country Director for TradeMark Africa in Uganda and South Sudan.
Read more here.
