The South Sudan economy endures deep pain in 2024, hit by war, floods, and Sudan pipeline woes. This landlocked East African nation saw $4.65 billion GDP and a crushing -30% growth, the fifth straight year of decline. With 12.2 million people, per capita income fell to $380, ranking among the world’s lowest. The south sudan economy relies on oil for 90% of exports, but production halted amid conflict, worsening the south sudan economy collapse. Sudan vs South Sudan economy highlights stark gaps—Sudan’s $30B GDP dwarfs South Sudan’s amid shared woes. Imports reached $2.7 billion, exports dropped to $1.5 billion, leaving a deficit. Debt hit $2.86 billion (61% GDP). Gold and silver reserves stand at zero. Yet, south sudan economy news brings glimmers: peace talks and IMF aid could spark 1% rebound in south sudan economy 2025. The south sudan economy overview 2025 calls for reforms to fight challenges facing south sudan economy like inflation (over 100%) and poverty (80% rate).
Table of Facts and Figures: Key Numbers for the South Sudan Economy
This vertical table details 2024 metrics for the south sudan economy. Data draws from World Bank, IMF, and recent reports. Each remark explains real impacts, links to south sudan economy 2023 (-4.3% growth), and suggests fixes for south sudan economy 2025.
| Metric | Value | Remarks |
| GDP 2024 | $4.65 B | Total output, 98% from oil despite shutdowns; down from $7.1 B in 2022. Fund basics like roads, but shortages hit schools. South Sudan economy growth stalled by conflict; tip: Restart fields for $1.5 B boost in 2025. |
| Growth 2024 | -30.00% | Steep fall from -4.3% in 2023, per World Bank, due to pipeline sabotage and floods. Worse than south sudan economy 2022 (-2.4%); is south sudan economy growing? No, but peace could yield 1% in south sudan economy 2025. |
| Population 2024 | 12.20 M | Rapid rise (3% yearly), 70% youth; camps house 2M displaced. Strains food; train 200,000 in farming to ease hunger. |
| Per Capita 2024 | $380 | Halved from 2020 ($760), fueling poverty; oil cash misses most. What is the economy of South Sudan? Unequal; micro-loans lift 5%. |
| % of World GDP 2024 | 0.00% | Negligible, but oil’s 3.5% Africa share matters. Ties to china-economy; diversify for global GDP role. |
| Imports 2024 | $2.70 B | Food ($1.2 B, 44%), fuel ($900 M); shortages spark inflation. South Sudan economy news today flags aid cuts; local crops save $300 M. |
| Exports 2024 | $1.50 B | Oil ($1.35 B, 90%); halted since March. Down 50% from 2023; how can South Sudan improve its economy? Fix pipes for $800 M gain. |
| Debt 2024 | $2.86 B | 61% GDP, high risk per IMF; arrears to IMF $1B. South Sudan economy type strains under it; debt relief frees $200 M for health. |
| Gold Reserves 2024 | 0 | None official; artisanal mining yields $50M informally. Build a $100 M fund from legal sales. |
| Silver Reserves 2024 | 0 | Zero; untapped potential. What type of economy does South Sudan have? Resource-weak; explore for $20 M exports. |
These metrics underscore the south sudan economy overview 2024‘s fragility, with oil at the heart.

The bar chart highlights import burdens and debt weight, core to challenges facing the South Sudan economy.

This pie chart shows oil’s overwhelming role in what is the economy like in south sudan, urging diversification1.
Major Imports and Exports: Trade Struggles in the South Sudan Economy
Trade defines the south sudan economy, with a $1.2 billion deficit in 2024 reliant on aid. Exports fell to $1.5 billion, imports hit $2.7 billion amid shortages2.
Key Exports
- Crude Oil ($1.35 B)
- 90% total; Dar Blend to China via Sudan pipeline. Halted since March 2024, slashing revenue 50%3; south sudan economy news eyes restart.
- Gold ($50 M)
- Artisanal from Jonglei; informal, but formalization could double via regulations.
- Sesame Seeds ($30 M)
- Cash crop to Sudan; drought cut yields 20%.
- Gum Arabic ($10 M)
- Tree resin to Europe for food/pharma.
- Livestock ($10 M)
- Cattle to Kenya/Uganda; disease risks output4.
These reflect the South Sudan economy type as resource-dependent.
Key Imports
- Foodstuffs ($1.2 B)
- Wheat/rice from Uganda; 44% total, fueling 100%+ inflation.
- Refined Petroleum ($900 M)
- Fuel for generators; shortages spark black markets.
- Machinery ($400 M)
- Oil field tools from China.
- Medicines ($200 M)
- From Kenya; aid fills gaps.
- Vehicles ($300 M)
- Trucks for aid transport.
South Sudan economy news today stresses local production to cut reliance.
Market Trends Shaping the South Sudan Economy in 2025
The south sudan economy 2025 projects 1% growth if pipeline resumes, per IMF. Key trends:
1. Oil Sector Restart
- Dar Blend exports resume Q2 2025, adding $1 B.
- 3,000 jobs in fields; $500 M Chinese investment.
2. Peace and Stability
- Juba talks ease tensions; $2 B UN aid for roads.
- Reduces south sudan economy collapse risks.
3. Agriculture Push
- 50,000 hectares irrigated; cuts food imports 20%.
- 100,000 jobs in farming.
4. Diversification Trials
- Gold formalization yields $100 M.
- Solar mini-grids power 1M homes.
5. Aid and Reform
- IMF debt relief $500 M; skills training for youth.
Advice to Improve:
- Secure peace: Ceasefires unlock $2 B oil.
- Farm smart: Seeds/loans boost yields 30%.
- Build skills: Vocational schools for 50,000 youth.
South Sudan economy overview evolves from crisis to cautious hope.
South Sudan Economy Overview: Oil, Aid, and Aspirations
The south sudan economy overview reveals a nation born in 2011, rich in oil (75% reserves) but scarred by war. What type of economy does South Sudan have? Oil-dominant, with subsistence farming for 80%. South Sudan economy 2024 worsened south Sudan economy 2020 (-6.4%) slump. South Sudan economy 2023 saw -4.3%; 2022 -2.4%; 2021 3.3%; 2016 -6.3%. South Sudan economy news 2025 eyes reforms.
FAQs
What will be the South Sudan economy in 2024?
$4.65 B GDP, -30% growth. Oil halt worsens poverty.
How does population shape the South Sudan economy?
12.2 M youth drive needs. Training creates farm jobs.
What is the South Sudan economy ranking?
Lowest per capita $380; 0.00% world, oil-focused.
Why is there a trade deficit in the South Sudan economy?
$2.7 B imports (food) vs $1.5 B exports (oil). Aid bridges.
Top exports in south sudan economy overview?
Oil $1.35 B, gold $50 M. 90% petroleum.
Debt’s impact on the South Sudan economy?
$2.86 B (61% GDP); high risk, but relief possible.
Trends for south sudan economy 2025?
Pipeline fix, peace yields 1% growth. Diversify key.
Conclusion
The south sudan economy battles shadows but glimpses dawn, from 2024’s -30% plunge to south sudan economy 2025‘s 1% hope. $4.65 B GDP, oil lifeline, aid anchor resilience.
Summary: Peace, farms, skills rebuild it. What is the economy like in south sudan to you—challenge or chance? Share!
References
- IMF: South Sudan Country Report 2024 – Debt, projections. ↩︎
- Wikipedia: Economy of South Sudan – Oil, trade. ↩︎
- World Bank: South Sudan Economic Monitor 2025 – GDP, growth. ↩︎
- FocusEconomics: South Sudan GDP 2024 – Nominal, per capita. ↩︎