Investing in South Sudan in 2026
Sub-Saharan Africa
5
Score
High Risk Investment Destination
Unstable conditions - speculative only, high potential loss
South Sudan earns an investment score of 5/100, placing it in the high risk category for global investors. Unstable conditions - speculative only, high potential loss. The country's standout dimensions are growth potential (8/100) and economic health (5/100), with overall GDP of $5B and per-capita output of $400. Growth is running at -2.0% with 0.5% of GDP arriving as foreign direct investment. Inflation is elevated at 35.0%, a key risk to watch. The sovereign holds a NR credit rating, generally considered speculative-grade with elevated default risk. Investment opportunities cluster around Energy (Oil) (sector score 18/100, currently declining), which represents 60% of GDP. Trade openness sits at 32% of GDP, a useful proxy for how integrated South Sudan is with the global economy.
How South Sudan's investment score has evolved over time
Energy (Oil)
60% of GDP, declining
Agriculture
10% of GDP, declining
Livestock
5% of GDP, stable
World Bank Governance Indicators (-2.5 to +2.5, higher is better)
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Is South Sudan a safe country to invest in?
South Sudan carries a high risk risk rating with an overall investment score of 5/100. Unstable conditions - speculative only, high potential loss. Sub-scores: economic health 5/100, political stability 2/100, business climate 5/100, financial strength 5/100, growth potential 8/100.
What is South Sudan's sovereign credit rating?
South Sudan holds a credit rating of NR, reflecting its ability to meet sovereign debt obligations. Credit ratings are a key signal of macro-financial health and a prerequisite many institutional investors require before allocating capital.
What are the strongest sectors for investment in South Sudan?
The top investment sectors in South Sudan are Energy (Oil), Agriculture, Livestock. Energy (Oil) leads with a sector score of 18/100 and represents 60% of GDP. Its current trend is declining.
What is South Sudan's GDP growth rate?
South Sudan's most recent GDP growth was -2.0%, with total GDP of $5B and GDP per capita of $400. Inflation is running at 35.0% and the current account balance is -2.0% of GDP.
How does South Sudan score on governance and rule of law?
On the World Bank Governance Indicators (scale -2.5 to +2.5, higher is better), South Sudan scores: political stability -2.5, rule of law -2.2, corruption control -1.8, and regulatory quality -2.0.
Can foreigners invest in South Sudan?
Most industries in South Sudan are open to foreign direct investment, though specific sectors may require a local partner, government approval, or special licensing. Consult a qualified local advisor for restrictions that apply to your sector.
What is foreign direct investment (FDI) like in South Sudan?
Foreign Direct Investment in South Sudan runs at 0.5% of GDP, while the trade openness ratio (exports + imports as a share of GDP) stands at 32%. These figures show how integrated South Sudan is with the global economy and how welcoming it has been to international capital.
What is the public debt level in South Sudan?
South Sudan's government debt stands at 55% of GDP. This is a relatively conservative debt load, supporting fiscal flexibility.