Minister of Mining Hon. Losuba Wongo (center) joins regional leaders and industry experts at the Kenya Mining Investment Conference and Expo (MICE) 2026.

South Sudan is shifting its economic strategy from the exportation of raw minerals to domestic value addition, Minister of Mining Hon. Losuba Wongo announced this week.

Speaking at the Kenya Mining Investment Conference and Expo (MICE) 2026, the Minister revealed that preparations are underway to establish the country’s first domestic gold refinery.

The move aims to ensure that South Sudan exports finished, high-value products rather than raw materials, effectively maximizing national revenue from its vast natural resources.

During a ministerial panel discussing East African collaboration on sustainable mining, Hon. Wongo outlined the national agenda to curb raw mineral exports.

“The government is taking concrete steps to shift from exporting raw minerals to value-added production,” Wongo stated. “Establishing a domestic refinery will allow us to capture the full value of our gold and strengthen our position in the regional economy.”

Addressing concerns over regional stability, the Minister noted that the government has intensified efforts to secure mining zones. These measures are designed to provide a safe and enabling environment for local workers and international investors alike.

The Minister emphasized that stabilizing these areas is a priority for the Ministry to ensure that the extractives sector can operate transparently and sustainably.

The two-day summit, held from April 28–29 in Nairobi, was presided over by Kenyan President William Ruto under the theme: “Partnerships for Prosperity.” The event brought together over 500 global delegates, including policy experts and investors, to deliberate on Africa’s role in the global transition to clean energy.

With more than 30 exhibitors showcasing advances in ethical mining technology, South Sudan used the platform to signal its readiness for transparent and investment-friendly practices.

The conference highlighted the importance of critical mineral exploration and infrastructure development across the East African Community (EAC). By aligning with regional policies, South Sudan aims to position itself as a key player in Africa’s mineral wealth management within the burgeoning global green economy.

The Ministry says it remains committed to implementing policies that focus on ethical extraction and the promotion of local value addition to benefit all South Sudanese citizens.