Economic ties between Moscow and South Sudan are strengthening as Russia prepares to make major investments in the country. Aiming to significantly enhance bilateral relations between the Russian Federation and South Sudan, Russia has expressed its interest in expanding its economic involvement.
During a high-level meeting of officials held in Juba on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the two countries announced their desire to cooperate in the energy, mining, agriculture, and education sectors.
The meeting was attended by South Sudan’s Minister of Finance and Planning, Salvatore Garang Mabior, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to South Sudan, Alexsandr V. Kosmodemiyanskiy. The discussion focused on an evolving partnership aimed at stimulating South Sudan’s infrastructure and diversifying its economy.
A primary focus of the diplomatic relationship is the development of South Sudan’s oil sector. Minister Mabior stated that the talks centered on the conditions for upgrading the Bentiu oil refinery located in Unity State.
The proposal to improve this refinery is intended to significantly increase the production of crude oil and other petroleum products, which is believed to be a crucial step in boosting the national economy and achieving self-sufficiency in fuel demand.
Ambassador Kosmodemiyanskiy, on his part, confirmed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed soon. This agreement will mark the official commencement of Russian companies’ operations in South Sudan.
The Ambassador added that, beyond the Bentiu project, Moscow is ready to build new oil refineries, noting that this is “extremely important” for both countries.
Regarding the diversification and expansion of the economic sector, although the oil sector was a major part of the discussion, both parties expressed readiness to look beyond the energy sector.
The Russian delegation identified three additional priority sectors for investment: mining, to utilize untouched natural minerals in South Sudan; health, to improve medical infrastructure and service delivery; and agriculture, to use the country’s vast fertile land to ensure food security.
Minister Mabior emphasized that while South Sudan possesses abundant natural resources, most sectors require detailed feasibility studies.
He welcomed the interest shown, noting that these studies are a necessary first step for international companies to invest with confidence.
This partnership is not limited to industrial production; rather, it extends to the next generation of South Sudanese professionals.
Ambassador Kosmodemiyanskiy announced that Moscow is open to strengthening cooperation in the education sector by providing scholarship programs. These programs will give South Sudanese students the opportunity to pursue specialized studies in various professional fields at Russian universities.
The Ambassador cited the success of other African students currently studying in Russia as an example, suggesting that the transfer of knowledge and technical skills will be a result of this growing diplomatic relationship.
According to the Communication and Media Department of the Ministry of Finance and Planning, this meeting reflects the “growing bilateral relationship” between Moscow and Juba.
By combining Russia’s industrial experience with South Sudan’s natural resources, both countries appear ready to embark on a long-term economic journey. The upcoming signing of the Memorandum of Understanding is seen as a major benchmark to turn these aspirations into reality, potentially making Juba a primary hub for Russian investment in East Africa.
