South Sudan’s Juba warns foreigners against running small-scale businesses

(Photo Credit: The Kenyan Diaspora Media)

Juba County Caretaker Commissioner Kalisto Lado has called on foreign nationals operating small-scale businesses in South Sudan’s capital to leave the sector and instead invest in larger ventures that create jobs for South Sudanese.

Lado said foreigners should not operate businesses such as chapati vending, boda boda transport and small-scale retail trade in Juba.

The commissioner made the remarks on Monday evening after visiting Kuburi Habuba in the capital.

“No foreigner is allowed to do chapati, retail or boda boda riding in Juba. We are here for development in South Sudan; we must follow the laws and orders of South Sudan,” Lado said.

He questioned why foreign nationals should run small businesses that South Sudanese could operate, arguing that foreigners should focus on investments that create employment opportunities.

The remarks come as foreign nationals continue to operate various small and medium-sized businesses in Juba, including retail shops, restaurants and water-related enterprises.

Lado did not immediately provide details on how the proposed restrictions would be enforced or clarify whether the directive would apply to all foreign-owned small businesses.

The commissioner’s call could have implications for foreign traders and other entrepreneurs whose livelihoods depend on small-scale enterprises in Juba.

His comments also point to growing pressure from local authorities for South Sudanese to take a greater role in small businesses, while encouraging foreign investors to channel their capital into larger ventures and employment-generating activities.

Source: https://thekenyandiaspora.com/stories/9247/South-Sudan%E2%80%99s-Juba-warns-foreigners-against-running-small_scale-businesses