South Sudan Restricts Foreigners From Small-Scale Retail in Juba
South Sudan has moved to restrict foreign nationals from operating small-scale retail businesses in Juba, with the new directive affecting traders from several countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Burundi.
The announcement was made by Juba County Caretaker Commissioner Kalisto Lado, who said small retail activities should be reserved for South Sudanese citizens.
In remarks made during a visit to Kuburi Haboba market on Monday, October 5, Lado said foreigners should not operate businesses such as chapati stalls, boda boda services or small-scale trade in items including tomatoes, onions and charcoal.
He instead urged foreign investors to focus on wholesale and larger investments that could create employment for South Sudanese.
“The retail business is only for South Sudanese. If you are a foreigner and want to invest, you do wholesale so that our people can buy from you, or you can employ South Sudanese,” he said.
Seven-Day Compliance Window
Lado questioned why foreign nationals should go to South Sudan to run small businesses when the same opportunities could be taken up by citizens.
However, he did not immediately provide details on how the restriction would be enforced or whether it would cover all foreign-owned retail businesses.
Further, he gave operators of roadside and open stalls seven days to comply with new requirements, warning that structures that do not meet the standards could be demolished.
Business operators were instructed to construct concrete stalls, obtain the required licences and display their business names on electronic signs.
Protection for Compliant Businesses
Lado said the county would provide security and other services to businesses that operate within the law and comply with its requirements.
“We are here to protect lives. We are here to maintain order. We are here for development and service delivery. We want this place clean and organised to prevent criminals from taking your things. You want to do business in Juba, you must do it in accordance with the laws of South Sudan,” he added.
Concerns for Foreign Traders
The directive comes as many foreigners operate small shops, restaurants, food businesses and other enterprises in Juba, raising concerns for traders who depend on such activities for their livelihoods.
Lado’s directive comes weeks after President William Ruto’s September order for a crackdown on foreigners engaged in small-scale trade, including hawking and running small shops, a move that drew questions from some neighbouring East African countries.
Ruto later clarified that the country remains open to foreign investors and workers who comply with laws governing immigration, employment and business, while warning Kenyans against harassing or attacking foreigners.
Regional Implications
The development signals a growing trend in East Africa of governments moving to reserve small-scale retail for their citizens. For Kenyan traders operating in South Sudan, the directive could mean significant disruption to their businesses, with many now facing uncertainty over their futures in Juba’s informal retail sector.