South Sudan said on Monday it is ready to offer access to
its mineral resources to the United States in exchange for financial and
technical support, as it seeks to attract foreign investment into its
underdeveloped mining sector.
Finance Minister Salvatore Garang Mabiordit said the United
States was a preferred partner and could help accelerate development of the
country’s minerals industry, which includes deposits of gold, copper and iron
ore.
“We are ready to award them mining contracts. We think the
United States will be the best partner to help us in this area. They have the
technology that can speed up development of our minerals,” Mabiordit said.
He said South Sudan was seeking stronger engagement with
international partners to support economic recovery and development.
“It is our time to engage with the international community
so that we can receive financial and technical support. The American government
is showing interest in helping us, as it did before independence. We are
grateful,” he stated.
Mabiordit spoke following the 2026 Spring Meetings of the
International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Washington, where he led a
delegation that included the central bank governor and senior finance and
planning officials.
Discussions focused on economic recovery, investment
promotion and fiscal stability, according to the minister in a statement to the
South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC).
The remarks come as South Sudan continues efforts to
diversify its economy, which remains heavily dependent on oil, accounting for
more than 90% of government revenue.
The mining sector remains largely underdeveloped despite
significant mineral deposits, due to weak infrastructure, limited regulation
and governance challenges.
Although a mining law was introduced in 2012 to regulate the
sector, implementation has been slow.
The United States has raised concerns over transparency and
security in South Sudan’s investment climate, warning that these issues
continue to limit private sector confidence.
In an April 9 meeting with the mining minister, U.S.
Ambassador Michael J. Adler raised concerns over transparency in
decision-making and broader risks affecting investment.
The embassy has said it supports U.S. companies interested
in opportunities in South Sudan but that governance and security concerns
remain a constraint on deeper investment engagement.
