North America
Central & South America
Europe
Africa
Asia & Middle East
Southeast Asia & Oceania
South Sudan Business Report
General information
Source: The World Factbook - Central Intelligence Agency
Population
10,204,581 (July 2018 est.)GDP (PPP)
$20.01 billion (2017 est.)South Sudan holds one of the richest agricultural areas in Africa, with fertile soils and abundant water supplies. Currently the region supports 10-20 million head of cattle. South Sudan is one of the most oil-dependent countries in the world, with 98% of the government’s annual operating budget and 80% of its gross domestic product (GDP) derived from oil.
GDP growth rate
-5.2% (2017 est.)South Sudan has little infrastructure – about 10,000 kilometers of roads, but just 2% of them paved. Electricity is produced mostly by costly diesel generators, and indoor plumbing and potable water are scarce, so less than 2% of the population has access to electricity. About 90% of consumed goods, capital, and services are imported from neighboring countries – mainly Uganda, Kenya and Sudan. Chinese investment plays a growing role in the infrastructure and energy sectors.
GDP (PPP) per capita
$1,600 (2017 est.)Poverty and food insecurity has risen due to displacement of people caused by the conflict. With famine spreading, 66% of the population in South Sudan is living on less than about $2 a day, up from 50.6% in 2009, according to the World Bank. About 80% of the population lives in rural areas, with agriculture, forestry and fishing providing the livelihood for a majority of the households.
Local currency
South Sudanese pound (SSP)The central bank’s decision to adopt a managed floating exchange rate regime in December 2015 triggered a 97% depreciation of the currency and spawned a growing black market.
Financial stability (Public debt)
62.7% of GDP (2017 est.)South Sudan is burdened by considerable debt because of increased military spending and high levels of government corruption. Economic mismanagement is prevalent. Civil servants, including police and the military, are not paid on time, creating incentives to engage in looting and banditry.
Inflation
187.9% (2017 est.)Inflation peaked at over 800% per year in October 2016 but dropped to 118% in 2017. The government has funded its expenditures by borrowing from the central bank and foreign sources, using forward sales of oil as collateral.
Language
English (official), Arabic (includes Juba and Sudanese variants)Regional languages include Dinka, Nuer, Bari, Zande, Shilluk.
Corruption perception index (Source: Transparency International)
178/180Extremely high level of corruption.
Duties and tax
Source: PwC World Tax Summaries 2017-2018
VAT
N/A
Corporate Tax
N/A
Duties
N/A
Are you interested in South Sudan business?
Visit our Explore Opportunities page and connect with thousands of companies in Africa that are looking for a partner abroad.
Exports from Africa are in great demand from all over the world, you just need to find the right Africa opportunity for your business.
Whether you are looking for South Sudan export, South Sudan import, or to invest in South Sudan, you can use Globartis for doing business in South Sudan.
You can look for South Sudanese companies or for companies in Juba, the capital city and one of the best places for Africa opportunity in business.
Join now for free and start doing business in Africa!