The South Sudan Freight Forwarders Association (SSFFA) has officially adopted a new constitution to enhance the efficiency and professionalism of the sector.
The launch ceremony on October 11, in Juba, was attended by key stakeholders, including government officials and industry experts.
Legal expert John Ajak Mayol emphasized the significance of the legislative framework, saying constitution establishes a robust foundation for the operations.
This updated constitution provides a solid legal framework for the operations of the Association, ensuring that all activities are conducted in accordance with the law, promoting transparency and accountability. The amendments included in the document are designed to meet the evolving needs of the sector, Mayol said.
Derived from the 2018 document, the updated constitution includes amendments that address the evolving needs of the sector. It introduces provisions that delineate the regulations governing the relationships between freight forwarders and their clients, underscoring the importance of adhering to legal and ethical standards.
SSFFA President Mawa Moses Nigo expressed optimism about the future, saying the legal framework seeks to redefine the industry standards and the structural development to enhance transparency, and promote collaboration amongst members.
“I look forward to engaging every stakeholder to work toward the development of this country. By streamlining operations and reducing bureaucratic hurdles, we are committed to promoting transparency and efficiency within the industry,” Nigo said.
Nigo pledged to work with all the stakeholders to improve trade to foster economic development. He said he would address the issue of capacity building for freight forwarders to enhance competitiveness within the EAC region. Since the independence of South Sudan in 2011, the clearing agents have been lagging behind in training opportunities.
Nimule SSFFA Chairman Deng Daniel Ayuen highlighted the challenges faced by the industry in the past.
“We now have a law governing our business. This means that if any challenges arise, we have a leadership structure to address them effectively,” Ayuen said.
The Juba International Airport SSFFA Secretary for Gender and Social Welfare, Christina Adut Deng, encouraged young women to join the private sector, particularly the clearing and customs industry.
“Women have the right to work as men. As young women, let us get into business and participate in associations like SSFFA. The previous constitution excluded women in leadership, but the new one is gender-sensitive, and we are happy that women can participate in leadership and business activities,” Deng said.
The Director of Trade Facilitation at the National Chamber of Commerce, Yawa Soso, expressed optimism about the constitution’s impact.
“This new framework is a positive step for our business community. It will not only facilitate smoother trade processes but also enhance our competitiveness in the regional market, ensuring the safety of South Sudanese by regulating harmful exports,” Soso said.
SSFFA, which represents 287 customs clearance professionals—including 50 women—operates across 12 border points in South Sudan. Registered in 2018, the association aims to at improving logistics and reducing costs for essential goods.
The launch, themed “Shaping the Freight Forwarders Industry into Professionalism,” signals a promising new chapter for the freight forwarding industry in South Sudan, with the potential to drive economic growth and development in the region.
SSFFA plays a crucial role in South Sudan’s economy by facilitating the smooth movement of goods across borders. This is particularly essential in a landlocked country where efficient logistics are vital for economic growth and development. By enhancing the efficiency of freight forwarding, SSFFA aims to reduce the cost of goods. This move is also expected to attract more foreign investment, create job opportunities and boost the local economy.