South Sudan has announced restrictions barring foreign nationals from engaging in small-scale retail businesses in Juba, with the directive affecting traders from countries including Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Burundi.
Juba County Caretaker Commissioner Kalisto Lado said small retail businesses should be reserved for South Sudanese citizens, urging foreigners seeking to invest in the country to focus on larger ventures.
Speaking during a visit to Kuburi Haboba market on Monday, October 5, Lado said foreign nationals should not operate businesses such as chapati stalls, boda boda services or small-scale trade involving products such as tomatoes, onions and charcoal.
He encouraged foreign investors to shift their focus to wholesale businesses and other larger investments capable of creating jobs for South Sudanese.
“The retail business is only for South Sudanese. If you are a foreigner and want to invest, you do wholesale so that our people can buy from you, or you can employ South Sudanese,” he said.
Lado questioned the need for foreigners to travel to South Sudan to engage in small businesses that could instead provide economic opportunities for local citizens.
The commissioner did not immediately explain how the new restriction would be enforced or whether it would apply to every foreign-owned retail business in Juba.
Seven-Day Deadline
Lado also issued operators of roadside and open-air stalls with a seven-day deadline to comply with new requirements, warning that structures that fail to meet the stipulated standards could be demolished.
Traders were directed to construct concrete stalls, secure the necessary business licences and display their business names using electronic signs.
He said the county government would provide security and other services to businesses operating legally and complying with its requirements.
“We are here to protect lives. We are here to maintain order. We are here for development and service delivery. We want this place clean and organised to prevent criminals from taking your things. You want to do business in Juba, you must do it in accordance with the laws of South Sudan,” he added.
The directive is likely to affect a significant number of foreign nationals who operate small shops, restaurants, food outlets and other enterprises across Juba, with some depending on such businesses as their main source of income.
The move also comes weeks after President William Ruto directed Kenyan authorities to crack down on foreigners involved in small-scale trade, including hawking and operating small shops.
Ruto's directive sparked concern among some neighbouring East African countries, particularly over its potential impact on foreign traders operating in Kenya.
The President later clarified that Kenya remains open to foreign investors and workers who comply with the country's immigration, employment and business laws.
He also warned Kenyans against harassing or attacking foreigners, stressing that enforcement of the law should not translate into hostility towards foreign nationals.
