South Sudanese businesses have been urged to prepare for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) or risk missing opportunities in a continental market valued at more than $3.4 trillion.

The appeal was made during a three-day sensitization workshop in Juba organized by the East African Business Council (EABC), the South Sudan National Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, with support from GIZ.

Speaking at the opening, Acting Secretary General of the Chamber of Commerce, Yowa Soso, acknowledged that economic hardships often prevent business owners from participating in training programs, as many prioritize daily income-generating activities.

Despite the low turnout, he encouraged entrepreneurs to take advantage of the workshop to better understand the benefits of continental trade integration.

EABC Economic Policy Advisor Lamedi Wesonga described the AfCFTA as a transformative initiative that will provide businesses with access to a larger African market, creating opportunities for investment, growth, and job creation.

He said the agreement seeks to boost intra-African trade by reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers across the continent.

Officials warned that South Sudan risks being left behind as African countries deepen economic integration and urged businesses to familiarize themselves with market access requirements, trade protocols, and export opportunities under the agreement.

Deputy Chairperson of the South Sudan National Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Wieu Wieu Mou, said the AfCFTA offers South Sudan an opportunity to diversify exports beyond oil and strengthen economic growth.

He noted that South Sudan signed the agreement in 2018 and expressed hope that the country will complete the ratification process to fully benefit from the continental trade framework.

Wieu identified gum arabic, honey, sesame, groundnuts, soybeans, fish, and shea butter as products with strong export potential, saying their development could create jobs, improve livelihoods, and generate foreign exchange earnings.

Participants are expected to discuss trade in goods, market access requirements, and practical strategies for enabling South Sudanese businesses to benefit from opportunities under the AfCFTA.