In October, five SMEs from South Sudan’s Gum Arabic sector participated in a benchmarking mission to Chad, aiming to gain technical insights on export readiness, compliance, and international marketing.
The mission engaged key sector actors, including exporters, cooperatives, and government agencies, covering the sector from production to export.
The initiative exposed South Sudanese Gum Arabic exporters to the operational and trade frameworks that have made Chad one of Africa’s leading gum Arabic producers. By learning from Chad’s successful sector structures and stakeholder practices, the mission sought to strengthen South Sudan’s Gum Arabic value chain, particularly in export and international market engagement.
Key Takeaways:
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Chad’s Gum Arabic sector is effectively organized through established cooperatives—a model South Sudan can replicate in its sourcing regions. -
Areas for improvement in South Sudan include establishing a dedicated certification body, streamlining export documentation processes, and building direct relationships with international buyers.
Through initiatives like this, South Sudan is taking strategic steps to enhance its Gum Arabic sector, boost exports, and strengthen its presence in the global market.
The delegation included:
- John David, Vice Chairman, South Sudan Gum Arabic Federation Union
- Ms. Yolanda Agol Kuc, MD, Nile Organic LTD
- Mr. Yuanes Mayik Akic, MD, Sutfa Company LTD
- Mr. Kou Ajak Kou Nihal, MD, Elaag Agriculture Company
- Mr. Sabit Asholi, MD, Precise Enterprise Limited
