The UNDP in partnership with the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry have released the Diagnostic Trade Integration Study Update 2022 for South Sudan. The DTIS Update 2022 reviews South Sudan’s progress since 2014. It assesses the implementation of earlier recommendations, identifies the challenges encountered since the first study in 2014, and considers the new economic landscape. The DTIS Update 2022 also builds on plans and strategies adopted by the Government of South Sudan in recent years. The recommendations and monitoring framework provided in this study support the development of a diversified economy.

In 2014, the first Diagnostic Trade Integration Study for South Sudan was completed with the support of UNDP, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and the EIF. It was a landmark achievement, representing the first comprehensive framework for trade promotion and development for South Sudan. It assessed South Sudan’s economy, identified key trade sectors, outlined constraints to trade and presented an action plan. However, the implementation of the 2014 DTIS was constrained by the outbreak of conflict in 2016 and the required trade policy reform could not be undertaken.

Since September 2018, South Sudan has enjoyed relative stability with the signing of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, raising cautious optimism for lasting peace and a return to sustainable development. In 2022, UNDP in partnership with EIF and the Ministry of Trade and Industry supported the process to review and update the DTIS for South Sudan. The significance of this DTIS Update 2022 for South Sudan is underscored by the context in which it was undertaken: the ongoing peace process, the global upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity caused by the geopolitical situation in Europe, and the ever-increasing impact of climate change on livelihoods.  

Diagnostic Trade Integration Studies are a crucial component of the EIF’s efforts to assist least developed countries (LDCs) in developing evidence-based policies and regulatory frameworks for trade and investment. The EIF has supported over 55 Trade Integration Studies across various LDCs worldwide.