Trade and Economic Relations

Trade and Economic Relations between Zimbabwe and South Sudan

Zimbabwe and South Sudan maintain friendly diplomatic and economic relations, but bilateral merchandise trade remains relatively limited compared with each country’s trade with its major partners. Recent government discussions have focused on expanding trade, investment, economic cooperation, research, and business links. In February 2025, officials from both governments specifically discussed strengthening economic partnerships, investment opportunities, and trade coordination.

1. Background

Zimbabwe and South Sudan have relations that date from South Sudan’s independence in 2011. The two countries have maintained diplomatic engagement and have expressed interest in expanding cooperation beyond political relations into economic and commercial areas. South Sudan’s Foreign Ministry stated in February 2025 that both sides wanted stronger investment and trade coordination.

2. Structure of South Sudan’s economy and trade

South Sudan’s economy is heavily dependent on oil exports. In 2024, South Sudan’s total merchandise trade was about US$2.8 billion, consisting of approximately US$1.82 billion in exports and US$0.98 billion in imports. Crude oil dominates its exports, while food products, petroleum products and consumer goods are important import categories.

This structure creates opportunities for Zimbabwe because Zimbabwe has a more diversified productive base, including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, construction, engineering and services.

3. Potential Zimbabwean exports to South Sudan

Areas in which Zimbabwean businesses could potentially supply the South Sudanese market include:

• Agricultural products and processed foods – maize products, meat, horticultural products and other foodstuffs.

• Manufactured goods – cement, building materials, steel products, furniture and household goods.

• Mining and industrial equipment – machinery, pumps, electrical equipment and engineering products.

• Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.

• Construction services and engineering.

• Education and professional services.

• Agricultural technology and expertise.

The opportunity is particularly relevant because food products represented the largest category of South Sudan’s recorded imports in 2024.

4. Potential South Sudanese exports to Zimbabwe

South Sudan’s principal export is crude petroleum, which accounts for the overwhelming majority of its exports. Consequently, South Sudan’s potential commercial relationship with Zimbabwe could include:

• Petroleum and petroleum-related products.

• Agricultural commodities.

• Timber and wood products.

• Minerals.

• Livestock-related products.

However, the geographic distance and transport costs make many of these opportunities commercially dependent on efficient regional logistics.

5. Investment opportunities

There is considerable scope for investment cooperation rather than simply buying and selling goods.

Zimbabwe has experience in sectors that South Sudan is seeking to develop, including:

• Agriculture and food processing.

• Mining.

• Construction and infrastructure.

• Manufacturing.

• Tourism and hospitality.

• Education and skills development.

• Health services.

• Financial and professional services.

South Sudan’s government has explicitly identified investment opportunities and economic partnership as areas for strengthening bilateral relations.

6. Major challenges to bilateral trade

Several factors constrain trade between the two countries:

Geographical distance and transport costs: Zimbabwe and South Sudan do not share a border. Goods must move through neighbouring countries, increasing transportation time and costs.

Infrastructure: South Sudan’s road, logistics and energy infrastructure remains under development, which can increase the cost and risk of doing business.

Small existing trade base: South Sudan’s official 2024 list of major trading partners is dominated by countries such as the UAE, Uganda, India, China and Kenya; Zimbabwe does not appear among its leading partners.

Limited commercial links: Diplomatic relations exist, but they have not yet translated into a large bilateral trading relationship.

Payment and foreign-exchange risks: Both countries have experienced monetary and foreign-exchange challenges, which can complicate cross-border transactions.

7. Opportunities for stronger economic relations

The relationship could be expanded through:

1. Business-to-business trade missions between Harare and Juba.

2. Investment agreements to provide greater protection and certainty for investors.

3. Joint ventures in agriculture, mining, construction and manufacturing.

4. Improved transport and logistics arrangements through regional corridors.

5. Agricultural cooperation, particularly Zimbabwean expertise in commercial farming and irrigation.

6. Skills and technical cooperation in engineering, education, health and mining.

7. Banking and payment arrangements that make transactions between businesses easier.

8. Participation in regional African trade frameworks, particularly as South Sudan deepens its integration into the East African Community.

8. Overall assessment

The Zimbabwe–South Sudan economic relationship is politically friendly but commercially underdeveloped. South Sudan has a large need for imported food, consumer goods, construction materials, machinery and professional services, while Zimbabwe has productive and technical capabilities that could potentially meet some of that demand. At the same time, South Sudan’s oil resources and emerging markets create opportunities for Zimbabwean companies and investors.