Juba, South Sudan – September 10, 2025

On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) South Sudan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Republic of South Sudan and the Enhanced Integrated Framework, successfully convened a landmark stakeholder validation event for South Sudan’s E-Commerce Policy.

Held at the Palm Africa Hotel in Juba, the event marked a pivotal moment in the country’s journey toward building an inclusive and competitive digital economy.

The E-Commerce Policy is set to transform South Sudan’s economic landscape by unlocking access to global and regional markets for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It aims to empower youth and women through digital trade, promote the adoption of digital payments, enhance skills development, and strengthen trade infrastructure. These efforts lay a robust foundation for sustainable economic growth and greater participation in the global digital marketplace.

The validation event brought together government officials, private sector representatives, civil society, and development partners to review and refine the policy. Stakeholders emphasized the policy’s potential to drive innovation, create job opportunities, and foster economic resilience in a rapidly digitizing world. By prioritizing inclusivity, the policy seeks to ensure that marginalized groups, including women and youth, are equipped with the tools and opportunities to thrive in the digital economy.

“This policy is a game-changer for South Sudan,” said a representative from the Ministry of Trade and Industry. “It will not only boost our SMEs but also position South Sudan as a competitive player in regional and global markets.”

UNDP South Sudan reiterated its commitment to supporting the government in implementing the policy, highlighting the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals. The Enhanced Integrated Framework’s support has been instrumental in aligning the policy with international trade standards, ensuring South Sudan’s readiness to engage in the global digital economy.

As South Sudan takes this significant step forward, the E-Commerce Policy sets the stage for a future where digital innovation drives economic empowerment and inclusive growth for all.

Written by

Francis Oyet

Oyet Francis Opwonya, known commonly as Francis L’Oyet is a Ugandan South Sudanese investigative journalist and software engineer. Oyet is the founder and CEO of Oyet Broadcasting Services (OBS Network), an innovation hub and headquarters of The Northern Press in Uganda and The Malakal Press, located in Malakal City, Upper Nile State in the Greater Upper Nile region of South Sudan