Dodoma, Tanzania, August 6, 2026 – A high-level delegation from the Republic of South Sudan, led by the National Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Clement Juma Mbugoniwia, and the Undersecretary for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Dr. Michael Roberto Kenyi, concluded a six-day official visit to Tanzania (1–6 August 2026), culminating in a commitment by the two countries to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on agricultural cooperation between the two East African Countries. The visit, undertaken at the invitation of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, centred on participation in the Nane Nane International Agricultural Exhibition 2026, one of Africa’s premier agricultural showcases, held under the theme “Leveraging Market Intelligence, Enhancing Productivity Towards 2050.”
During the exhibition, the South Sudanese delegation toured pavilions showcasing agricultural produce, modern farming technologies, mechanization, climate-smart agriculture, agribusiness innovations, and value-addition initiatives. Accompanied by Tanzania’s Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Daniel G. Chongolo, the delegation engaged with farmers, researchers, private-sector innovators, development partners, and young agripreneurs to gain firsthand insights into the policies and innovations driving Tanzania’s agricultural transformation. Minister Mbugoniwia particularly commended Tanzania’s initiative of allocating agricultural land to young people, describing it as a progressive model that offers valuable lessons for South Sudan as it seeks to empower youth, create employment, and unlock the country’s vast agricultural potential.
A major highlight of the visit was a high-level bilateral meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture headquarters in Mtumba between the South Sudanese delegation and Tanzania’s Minister of Agriculture, supported by senior officials led by Prof. Peter L. M. Msoffe, Deputy Permanent Secretary. The discussions reviewed opportunities for cooperation in agricultural mechanization, research, seed systems, technology transfer, investment, value addition, market access, and capacity building. The meeting culminated in the review of a draft Memorandum of Understanding, which both sides agreed would formalize the growing agricultural partnership between the two countries.
Speaking after the meeting, Hon. Clement Juma Mbugoniwia described the visit as a significant milestone in strengthening relations between South Sudan and Tanzania.
“We are honoured by the warm reception accorded to the South Sudan delegation. Our participation at Nane Nane is a clear demonstration of our commitment to strengthening cooperation with Tanzania and learning from its agricultural achievements. We look forward to formalizing partnerships that will promote technology transfer, capacity building, investment, and knowledge sharing for the benefit of our farmers and our people.”
The Minister added that the enduring historical ties between South Sudan and Tanzania provide a strong foundation for a new era of agricultural cooperation and reaffirmed that agriculture remains South Sudan’s greatest opportunity for economic diversification and food security.
MAFS Undersecretary for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Dr Michael Roberto Kenyi, said the exhibition provided an invaluable platform for technical learning and institutional collaboration.
“This exhibition offers an opportunity for our technical teams to engage directly with research institutions, agribusinesses, farmers, and policymakers. The knowledge and innovations we are gaining here will contribute significantly to our efforts to modernize agriculture, improve productivity, and strengthen resilient food systems back home.”
Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Peter L. M. Msoffe, Deputy Permanent Secretary in Tanzania’s Ministry of Agriculture, reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to expanding agricultural cooperation with South Sudan. At the same time, Tanzania’s Minister of Agriculture described South Sudan’s participation at this year’s Nane Nane Exhibition as a reflection of the deep friendship between the two nations. The visit concluded with both governments expressing confidence that the forthcoming MoU will usher in a new chapter of collaboration in agricultural technology, investment, innovation, youth empowerment, and sustainable food security for the benefit of both countries.
