7 Easy Businesses Kenyan SMEs can now do in South Sudan

Kenyans can now expand their market to South Sudan freely without any restrictions. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Macharia Kamau said the waiver takes effective immediately pending the signing of a labour agreement that will offer rules for foreign workers. SMEs have began warming up for new market deals in the southern state rich of untapped market possibilities.

Signing the agreement

In a business truce that dates back to one year ago, the governments of Kenya and South Sudan have officially opened doors of free movement for the two economies. This gesture has been welcomed from the SME space in Kenya which had largely benefited from the northern corridor business.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement released on Monday, said this was in adherence to the Provisions of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, and The Common Market Protocol on Free Movement of labour and persons for the citizens of partner States that was adopted on November 20, 2009.

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The ministry further added that the move was occasioned by the warm and cordial relations between Kenya and South Sudan.

The Republic of South Sudan has, premised on the principle of reciprocity, in turn also waived visa requirements for Kenyans wishing to visit their country. The ministry said the waiver of visa requirement for citizens of South Sudan takes effect immediately from Monday.

“Further, in line with Article 10 the EAC Common Market Protocol, the Workers of the two Partner States will be allowed to accept employment within the territory of each other,” read the statement.

“The visa waiver demonstrates the strong partnership and cooperation between the Republic of Kenya and the Government of the Republic of South Sudan.”

The ministry added: “It will also enhance cultural ties and strengthen the economy of both Partner States by encouraging free movement of persons and labour which are key pillars in the integration of the East African Community.”

Market viability

According to the business daily, Kenyans are free to enter South Sudan without a visa following the bilateral deal that saw Nairobi opens its market to citizens of the neighbouring country in line with East African Community (EAC) rules.

South Sudan in 2016 become the sixth member of the East African Community (EAC) block after President Salva Kiir signed an ascension treaty in Tanzania’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam.

It however lagged behind in adopting crucial protocols of the Community including the Customs Union and the Common Market Protocol, which allow harmonisation of levies, exemption of certain taxes on goods in the region and visa-less movement in the region. It owed about $20 million as at the last Summit in February, although Juba promised to clear the deficit gradually.

Being a new country in the bloc, it’s market viability goes beyond the scope of SMEs in Kenya. Creating so many potential selling points in their economy. In a summary here are a number of the potential markets to invest on in the new market

1. Roadside Fast Food Corner:

This is an old tried and tested business. If you wish to reap the rewards surely, but steadily, food is an excellent business domain. Food is an essential need and its demand can never come down. Thus, it is considered a money-making activity. If you are hard working and wish to test your culinary skills, you can opt for this business choice. Maintain quality, good portions, be exceptional and create your own brand.
Follow these simple tips and first time visitors will quickly become regulars.

2. Office Supply:

Office workers are usually totally engrossed in their work, work long hours and often have little time to shop. Contact your local offices and enquire about being an office supplier. You can provide them with everything they need, from office accessories to fashion items and grocery products. The only advice – Don’t be greedy, but honest and fair with your prices. The key is to keep them happy so you can make a steady income and gain referrals. Don’t look to get rich quick.

3. Rice Farming:

Rice production is considerably low in South Sudan in comparison to its consumption rate. Therefore, the cultivation of rice can be a guaranteed idea to start a business and a fruitful source of profits.

4. Website Designing:

This is quickly growing to be one of the most favorable and budding business domains for young entrepreneurs, not just in South Sudanese’s, but also across the globe. All you need to have is a deep and clear understanding of online processes, marketing strategies, SEO tactics and legal guidelines. This is cost-effective, futuristic, gainful and customer-focused.

5.Poultry Farming:

According to our research, poultry farming will be said to be one of the cheapest and most unique business one can start in South Sudan.
Poultry farming is expanding as fast as possible,
This sector has what it takes to be
successful. Birds are easy to rear; they breed fast and quickly mature to market weight.
You can start off small and quickly scale up which makes poultry farming a profitable business in South Sudan. Sell eggs and meat in the market and get your pockets filled with cash.

6. Palm Oil Retailing:

Unlock big gains by becoming a supplier of Palm Oil, a liquid used in high quantities in South Sudan. Store the precious oil during the peak times and sell it during the off-season.
However, first learn – where to buy, where to sell, how to store and how to resell. The demand for Palm Oil can never plunge in South Sudan and your profits too.
All of these low capital business ventures have great potential, and the ability to help you generate a steady income, and if done properly you could earn millions.

7. Second Hand Products:

The second hand business in South Sudan is rising everyday by day. As a growing sector and a good business opportunity in South Sudan it helps to increase the life cycle of products.Who doesn’t like spending less for something really superior in quality? South Sudanese can readily pay anything for second-hand products if they are fit for use.
For this business you need to understand what people want to buy, and build connections with suppliers who can provide you with the goods. Start small, focus on quality, charge reasonable prices and build your customer base. The key is to keep your customers
happy

But remember the success is in the planning , and your ability to execute your plan. There are some key elements that you must assess before committing to any business venture. These are profitable business ideas in South Sudan one can start and they are very lucrative for all South Sudanese and investors.

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THE LAPPSET PROJECT

Kenya’s mega Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (Lapsset) Corridor Programme, has been embraced by the leaders in the East African Community.

Being the most vital focal point that would open the northern corridor to the vast world economy, many leaders and SMEs look at it as a game changer.

According to the East African Newspaper, Mr Daniel Osiemo, Nepad Kenya’s representative, said the corridor project is the only PIDI project and the largest in eastern Africa with a market catchment of more than 160 million people. (SMEs)

“This infrastructure development will promote the achievement of the AfCFTA and the inter connectivity will enhance movement of goods and services,” said Mr Osiemo, adding, “Lack of infrastructure was cited as a major impediment in doing business and this project will create a link from Lamu port and help ease trade by reducing the distance through an efficient land transport system.”

As SMEs rush to exploit the golden chance, it’s time to fully bank some of their investments in the country in order to increase the Gross domestic product. (GDP).

Mombasa, Kenya.

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