South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, gained independence in 2011. It covers 644,329 square kilometers and has a population of around 15.8 million as of 2025.
The nation has rich natural resources, with oil accounting for about 98% of government revenue, currently producing 140,000 barrels a day, expected to reach 350,000 by 2026.
It also has fertile land, teak forests, and vast ecosystems like the Sudd, the second-largest seasonal wetland globally, rich in biodiversity and tourism potential. Around 75% of the population relies on these ecosystems for food, water, and energy.
South Sudan’s Natural Resources And Their Locations
Here are resources that have been found in South Sudan and their locations:
| Natural Resources | Locations |
|---|---|
| Oil | Upper Nile, Unity, Bentiu, Warrap, Jonglei |
| Gold | Kapoeta, Anakanak, Nyangea, Karomi, Lauro, Buno |
| Iron Ore | Wau-Raga region, Yambio, South Darfur border |
| Marble/Dolomite | Kapoeta region, Torit District |
| Aluminum | Juba (Luri Basin), Raga-Wau-Rumbek, Yambio |
| Agricultural Land | Fertile lands across 90% of South Sudan; prime areas in Jonglei and Equatoria |
| Forests (Teak) | Equatoria region |
| Fisheries | Nile River system, Sudd wetland |
| Wildlife | Sudd wetland, Boma-Bandingilo-Jonglei landscape |
The Discoveries Of South Sudan’s Natural Resources
Oil, first discovered in 1975 in Unity and Upper Nile, became the foundation of the economy. Today, production averages around 140,000 barrels per day, according to the Ministry of Petroleum and Mining.
Gold was later found in Kapoeta, followed by a range of minerals, including copper, cobalt, zinc, iron ore, and aluminum.
In 1978, marble deposits were discovered near Kapoeta, presenting opportunities in construction and manufacturing. Oil, mainly located in rift basins with sedimentary layers, is the country’s most valuable asset.
As BP’s energy review states, oil exports generate nearly all government revenue. Meanwhile, minerals have untapped potential. The Ministry of Mining believes that if properly developed, these could significantly boost national income.
Aside from non-renewables, South Sudan is also rich in renewable resources. Fisheries along the Upper Nile and Jonglei, teak forests in Equatoria, and key wildlife habitats like the Sudd wetland offer sustainable livelihoods.
The FAO estimates that fishing alone supports over two million people. Regionally, oil is concentrated in Upper Nile, Unity, and Jonglei. Gold and other minerals are found in Kapoeta, Anakanak, Nyangea, Karomi, Lauro, and Buno.
Marble and dolomite exist in Kapoeta and Torit. Teak forests dominate Equatoria, while fisheries thrive in the Nile system and the Sudd wetland. Wildlife spans the Sudd and the broader Boma-Bandingilo-Jonglei landscape.
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Viability Of South Sudan’s Natural Resources
The viability of South Sudan’s natural resources relies on infrastructure, sustainability, and technological progress. These factors influence how effectively the country can manage and benefit from its resource base.
1. Infrastructure
Infrastructure is key to resource utilization. While oil exports benefit from pipelines linking Upper Nile and Unity to global markets, other sectors are hindered by poor transport systems.
In Equatoria, limited road access restricts teak movement from plantations to ports. Road investment could raise timber exports by 30% annually.
Fisheries in areas like Upper Nile and Jonglei also suffer due to inadequate cold storage, leading to high post-harvest losses. However, improving cold chains could cut these losses by 20%.
2. Sustainability
Sustainable practices are essential for maintaining South Sudan’s natural wealth. In forestry, responsible logging can protect teak plantations while generating income.
World Bank projections show that reviving the teak industry may create 150 jobs per 1,000 hectares and bring in up to $1 million annually. The fisheries sector also depends on sustainability, as about 2.1 million people rely on fish for food and livelihood.
Practices that preserve fish populations in the Nile River and the Sudd wetland are ideal. Wildlife conservation, especially in regions like Boma-Bandingilo-Jonglei, supports biodiversity and has eco-tourism potential.
3. Technological Advancements
Technology can greatly improve resource efficiency. In oil, methods like improved oil recovery could boost production by 15%. Renewable energy solutions offer alternatives that support sustainability and reduce environmental harm.
In fisheries, cold chain upgrades not only reduce spoilage but also raise product value. Technology also aids forest and wildlife monitoring. For instance, drones help track forest conditions and illegal logging, promoting better resource management.
Export Potential Of South Sudan’s Natural Resources
South Sudan’s natural resources, especially oil, present strong export potential with the capacity to drive substantial economic growth.
While oil is the country’s leading export, newer sectors such as forestry, fisheries, and wildlife tourism are showing promise for future diversification.
1. Oil Exports
Oil accounts for more than 90% of South Sudan’s national revenue. The Ministry of Petroleum and Mining projects that oil production will reach 350,000 barrels per day by 2026, boosting both volume and revenue. Still, dependence on Sudanese infrastructure and regional instability continues to pose risks.
2. Emerging Sectors
A. Forestry
Teak plantations in Equatoria are gaining international attention. Sustainable management could position South Sudan as a competitive timber exporter.
B. Fisheries
The Nile River and the Sudd wetlands have abundant fish resources. According to FAO, over 2.1 million people rely on fisheries, which also shows strong export potential. Developing this sector could improve foreign earnings and support local economies.
C. Wildlife Tourism
Areas such as the Boma-Bandingilo-Jonglei landscape show South Sudan’s biodiversity. With growing international interest, ecotourism has a path to both revenue and conservation. A partnership with the World Wildlife Fund is underway to support sustainable tourism.
That said, oil exports are projected to rise by 20.8% in 2025 as production stabilizes, according to BP’s Statistical Review.
With improved infrastructure and policy support, forestry and fisheries could become essential components of a diversified export base.
Meanwhile, sustainable tourism may develop into a dependable revenue source through global partnerships and conservation-driven development.
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Economic Impact Of South Sudan’s Natural Resources
South Sudan’s economy leans on its rich natural resources, which generate revenue, support livelihoods, and have long-term growth opportunities. The nation is blessed with oil, fertile farmland, fisheries, forests, and diverse wildlife.
1. Oil Sector Contribution
Oil is South Sudan’s most important economic driver, accounting for nearly 98% of government revenue and over 95% of exports.
The country currently produces about 140,000 barrels per day, with a target to reach 350,000 barrels daily by 2026, according to the Ministry of Petroleum and Mining.
While this sector brings in significant income, the economy is highly exposed to global oil price changes and regional instability.
2. Agriculture
Agriculture sustains more than 80% of South Sudanese households. Fertile land plays a key role in food security and rural income through staple crops such as sorghum and peanuts. Modernizing farming methods presents an opportunity to improve yields and stabilize local markets.
3. Renewable Resources
South Sudan’s renewable sectors also hold promise. The Nile River and Sudd wetlands support fisheries for over 2.1 million people, as reported by the FAO. Expansion of this sector could create jobs and open up new export markets.
In forestry, Equatoria’s teak plantations have the potential for sustainable timber exports if managed effectively. Wildlife-rich areas like Boma-Bandingilo-Jonglei have the viability to drive ecotourism.