The manufacturing sector of the economy historically has been small, development being hindered by such factors as the long-running civil war as well as severe shortages of trained manpower and raw materials. With the signing of the CPA in 2005, the GoSS began to look toward development and expansion in this sector. There is some production of beer, soft drinks, sugar, and other food products. Because of the long lack of basic infrastructure in many key areas, the construction industry saw considerable growth as preparations were made for independence. Despite the lucrative oil fields in South Sudan, there are no working refineries in the country, and oil pumped from South Sudan must be refined in Sudan.

Finance and trade

After the signing of the CPA in 2005 and prior to South Sudan’s independence, a dual banking system was in place in the region that recognized the Bank of Southern Sudan as the regional bank and the Central Bank of Sudan as the national bank. Prior to independence and shortly thereafter, South Sudan used the Sudanese pound, the national currency of Sudan. Soon after South Sudan declared independence, the Central Bank of South Sudan became the national bank and a new currency, the South Sudan pound, was introduced. In addition to the central bank, there are also commercial and foreign banks in the country.

South Sudan’s chief export is crude petroleum. Other exports include gum arabic. Because of food insecurity and the limited manufacturing sector, the country must import most items, including many foodstuffs, motor vehicles and machinery, and manufactured goods.

South Sudan participates in trade organizations in the region. It became a member of the East African Community (EAC) in 2016, and it has been approved for membership in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), although it has not formally been made a member state yet.

Services

The fledgling services sector consists primarily of government employees and small businesses, largely shops and restaurants, that have been opening in South Sudan since the signing of the 2005 CPA. South Sudan shows promising potential for a lucrative tourism industry, as it is known for its scenic beauty and diverse array of wildlife and vegetation and is home to many national parks and game reserves. The government has encouraged the growth of a burgeoning hotel and hospitality industry, which is much needed to support the growth of tourism.

Labour and taxation

Agriculture is the main area of employment in South Sudan, with some four-fifths of all households depending on agricultural activities as their main source of livelihood. Historically, the limited industrial sector and the predominance of rural life have largely negated the need for workers’ and employers’ associations. Regardless, trade unions were banned in Sudan in 1989, which affected South Sudan until its 2011 independence.

Prior to independence, most of the government’s revenue was derived from its oil-revenue-sharing arrangement with the national government in Khartoum; similar arrangements were expected to continue after the secession of South Sudan. Very little revenue is raised by direct or indirect taxation.

Transportation and telecommunications

South Sudan’s transport system is underdeveloped and is a serious constraint on economic growth. Prior to the region’s secession from the north, it was estimated that there were some 2,500–3,400 miles (4,000–5,500 km) of main roads, of which only some 30 miles (50 km) were paved. There were also about 4,700 miles (7,500 km) of secondary roads, unpaved and in various states of disrepair. The utility of the unpaved roadways is compromised during the rainy season, when many of them are impassable. There are some 150 miles (240 km) of railway track linking the city of Wau with Sudan. After years of disrepair due to long-running conflict, the railway line resumed operations in 2010. It is used to transport freight. Road construction and expanding the rail system have been priorities of the government.

South Sudan is landlocked, and its rivers, particularly the White Nile and its tributaries, are important transportation links. The White Nile and the Baḥr Al-Ghazāl are navigable throughout the year, and steamer services are available on the White Nile. Ports include those at Juba and Bor, located on the Mountain Nile, and at Malakal, on the White Nile.

The country has several dozen airfields, but few have paved runways, and, as a result, many are inoperable during the rainy season. By far the busiest facility is the international airport at Juba; other heavily used airports include those at Malakal, Rumbek, and Wau. South Sudan is served by several international and domestic airlines, including Southern Sudan Airlines, which was created in 2005 to serve the newly semiautonomous region.

Decades of civil conflict have hindered the development of telecommunications infrastructure in South Sudan, but this area has seen quite a bit of expansion since the CPA was signed in 2005. There is no network of landlines for telephone service, but mobile phone providers have established coverage in and around the country’s main cities and towns. Internet service is available in many of the main cities and towns.