South Sudan bets on Mining reforms to diversify economy beyond oil

By Emmanuel Mandella

The Government of South Sudan is accelerating refocusing its mining sector as part of a broader strategy to diversify the country’s economy beyond oil, with Mining Minister Losuba Ludoru Wongo set to showcase the country’s progress at the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.

Minister Wongo’s participation at the continental mining forum comes at a critical time as South Sudan seeks to transform its vast but largely untapped mineral resources into a key engine for economic growth, job creation and sustainable development.

For more than a decade, South Sudan’s economy has remained heavily dependent on petroleum revenues. However, ongoing fluctuations in global oil markets and recurring disruptions to oil production have prompted the government to explore alternative sources of revenue. Mining has emerged as one of the most promising sectors capable of driving economic diversification and reducing dependence on crude oil exports.

According to the Ministry of Mining, the government is implementing a series of regulatory and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening governance, increasing transparency and creating a more attractive environment for investors.

Among the major reforms currently underway is the proposed amendment of the Mining Act, which has already been forwarded to Joint Parliamentary Committees for technical review. The proposed legislation seeks to modernize the sector through the establishment of a National Gold Refinery to promote domestic value addition, a School of Mines to develop local technical expertise and a specialized Mining Police Unit to combat illegal mining activities.

The reforms are expected to improve oversight of mining operations while ensuring that the country’s mineral wealth contributes more effectively to national development.

In parallel, South Sudan is finalizing its Mining Strategic Plan 2026–2030, a comprehensive roadmap designed to unlock the country’s significant deposits of gold, copper, iron ore and rare earth minerals. The strategy aligns with continental development frameworks, including the Africa Mining Vision, and aims to position South Sudan as a competitive destination for long-term mineral investment.

The government is also integrating mining into broader national infrastructure development plans. Through the Gold-for-Roads initiative, mineral resources are expected to support approximately $2 billion worth of road construction projects, improving connectivity and opening up previously inaccessible regions for exploration and economic activity.

Speaking ahead of African Mining Week 2026, Minister Wongo emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming the mining sector into a pillar of economic growth.

“South Sudan is taking deliberate steps to build a transparent, modern and investor-friendly mining sector. Through ongoing reforms and strategic planning, we aim to unlock the full potential of our mineral resources and position mining as a key driver of economic diversification, job creation and national development,” he said.

Industry observers say the reforms could significantly boost investor confidence if effectively implemented, particularly in a country believed to possess substantial mineral reserves that remain explored.

African Mining Week 2026, scheduled for October 14–16 in Cape Town, will provide South Sudan with an opportunity to present its reform agenda to international investors, policymakers and industry leaders while highlighting the country’s long-term vision for the mining sector.

As the government pushes ahead with reforms and strategic investments, the success of the mining sector could mark a turning point in South Sudan’s efforts to build a more diversified and resilient economy capable of delivering lasting benefits to its citizens.