Last month, the World Bank published the South Sudan Natural Resource Review, the first report to assess fisheries, forestry, and wildlife since independence in 2011. The findings are clear: South Sudan’s forestry sector has enormous economic potential, but insecurity and weak law enforcement have stalled investment.
Equatoria Teak Company: A Rare Success Story
Equatoria Teak Company (ETC) is highlighted as the only active plantation management enterprise in South Sudan, operating in an environment where investment is scarce, and risks are high. Despite these challenges, ETC manages 3,000 hectares of active plantation, with plans to expand to 5,000–6,000 hectares, bringing its total concession area close to 19,000 hectares.
The company provides 650 permanent jobs, with 30–40% of them held by women, and actively invests in building schools, maintaining roads, and supporting local smallholder farmers. ETC stands out as a rare success story in an otherwise struggling sector.
Untapped Potential in Community Forestry
Close to a third of South Sudan has the potential for community forest management, yet much of this remains underutilised. Of the 68 official forest reserves, only one is actively managed (by ETC) leaving large areas of valuable forestry resources untapped.
The report highlights that a revitalised teak plantation industry could generate $1 million per year and create 150 jobs per 1,000 hectares, demonstrating the scale of the opportunity that remains unrealised.
The Need for Action
The report makes it clear: without action, South Sudan’s forestry potential will remain underdeveloped. Yet, ETC demonstrates what is possible, proving that investment in sustainable forestry can create jobs, support local communities, and drive long-term economic growth, even in challenging environments.
