Governor Louis Lobong Lojore of Eastern Equatoria State in South Sudan has urged companies to give back to local communities in exchange for investing in the region's natural resources. He made the remarks during a meeting with representatives of Ecobridge Global Trading FZCO on Tuesday. The governor emphasized that the region's untapped mineral wealth should directly benefit local communities. Eastern Equatoria State is believed to possess significant mineral potential that remains largely unexplored.
Governor Lobong welcomed Ecobridge Global Trading FZCO's interest in investing in Eastern Equatoria, saying the state remains open to genuine investors willing to work within the law and in consultation with government authorities and local communities. He stressed that investment in the sector should translate into tangible benefits for the people of the state, including employment opportunities for young people and strengthened local businesses.
The governor also urged prospective investors to engage state authorities and local communities before undertaking exploration activities. This approach aims to ensure that investment contributes to the broader economic development of the state and improves livelihoods for communities living in resource-rich areas. By doing so, the state government seeks to balance economic growth with social responsibility.
Eastern Equatoria continues to attract interest in its natural resources, with many communities seeing potential opportunities for employment, infrastructure development, and increased access to services. However, concerns over land ownership, community participation, and the distribution of benefits have remained important issues in resource-rich areas. The governor's meeting with Ecobridge Global Trading FZCO highlights the state government's efforts to attract investment while promoting cooperation between investors, authorities, and communities.
Governor Lobong emphasized that investment should not only focus on extracting natural resources but should also contribute to the development of Eastern Equatoria. He said genuine investors would be welcomed as long as their activities contribute to the development of the state and improve the welfare of its people. This approach is expected to help the state government turn the region's natural resource potential into economic opportunities for its population.
The state government is expected to continue engaging potential investors as it seeks to capitalize on Eastern Equatoria's natural resources. With a significant portion of the region's mineral potential remaining unexplored, the state government is optimistic about the prospects for economic growth and development. By promoting responsible investment, the government aims to ensure that the benefits of natural resource extraction are shared equitably among local communities.
The call for responsible investment in Eastern Equatoria's natural resources comes as the country continues to navigate economic challenges. With oil revenue topping 79.5% of the estimated 11.34 trillion SSP 2026/27 budget, the government is seeking to diversify its economy and promote sustainable development. By prioritizing community engagement and social responsibility, the state government aims to create a more inclusive and equitable economic growth model.
Key points
- Governor Louis Lobong Lojore has called for responsible investment in Eastern Equatoria State's natural resources.
- The state government is seeking to attract investment while promoting cooperation between investors, authorities, and communities.
- Eastern Equatoria State is believed to possess significant mineral potential that remains largely unexplored.
