South Sudan can become a manufacturing country if it begins to refine its oil locally, says a leading South Sudanese economist.

Ahmed Morjan Yanga, from the University of Juba says once local oil refineries start functioning, they will create plenty of job opportunities.

“Having refineries will save our economy very, very greatly,” said Mr. Yanga.

“If we look at prices of crude oil in the international markets today, one barrel of oil would cause less than one hundred dollar, but if it is refined oil, then we will receive not less than 300 dollars per that barrel.”

“Refining the oil: the process will create like six to seven additional industries in the country, which will add to the chances of creating more employment opportunities in the country.

“And you will have other products to export. South Sudan could become a manufacturing country from nowhere -if it begins to refine its oil here.”

Next month, the government plans to inaugurate one oil refinery in Unity state, and another refinery will be inaugurated next year in Thiangrial in Upper Nile state.

Each of the two refineries will have the potential of producing 5,000 to 10,000 barrels per-day.