South Sudan is taking a major step forward in transforming its agriculture sector with the launch of a new US$580,000 seed system support program. The initiative, titled Support Towards Improved Seed Sector Performance and Competitiveness in South Sudan, was officially launched this week through a partnership between the Pan African Agricultural Development Agency (AGRA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the initiative aims to build a competitive, reliable and inclusive seed sector that can help improve food security, create jobs and empower farmers.
This program comes at a critical time for South Sudan, a country with vast agricultural potential but limited access to high-quality seeds. For years, most of its seed system has remained informal and underdeveloped. The new initiative is designed to address these structural weaknesses and guide the country toward a more formal, self-sustaining seed ecosystem. It focuses on key areas such as seed production, quality assurance, legal and policy reforms and building capacity across the seed value chain.
At the core of the program is AGRA’s Seed Systems Assessment Tool (SeedSAT), a diagnostic framework that identifies gaps in national seed systems and delivers actionable recommendations to close them. Under the AGRA Center of Excellence for Seed Systems in Africa (CESSA), SeedSAT has already been successfully implemented in 12 other sub-Saharan African countries. South Sudan will now join this network of countries working to unlock agricultural potential by strengthening foundational seed systems.
During the launch event, stakeholders from government agencies, seed companies, youth organizations and development partners came together to discuss how SeedSAT will support the country’s seed investment strategy. The tool will guide a detailed national assessment and help develop a costed plan for improving the sector. Beyond diagnostics, the initiative includes training for thematic leads and consultants, stakeholder engagement workshops and alignment of key institutions to ensure the entire ecosystem works cohesively.
This effort builds on AGRA’s longstanding engagement in South Sudan, which began in 2011. Past work led to the development and release of 37 resilient crop varieties, the training of 12 plant breeders and support for 10 seed companies that now produce more than 1,700 metric tonnes of seed annually. That earlier investment laid the groundwork for the country’s first commercialization of maize hybrids, giving smallholder farmers access to higher-yielding seeds and increasing productivity.
The new initiative takes that momentum further. It focuses not just on producing better seeds but on creating an environment where seed businesses can thrive and where farmers can access the seeds they need. It recognizes the importance of early generation seed (EGS) production and aims to scale up efforts to ensure a steady supply of certified, climate-smart and nutrient-rich seed varieties.
One key area of emphasis is youth empowerment. The program seeks to involve young people more actively in the seed value chain, offering training and integration opportunities across production, distribution and certification. With high youth unemployment in South Sudan, this approach creates pathways for young entrepreneurs to build careers in agriculture and agribusiness.
On the policy front, SeedSAT will also support the review and validation of the Seed and Plant Variety Bill. Strengthening the legal and regulatory environment is essential to encouraging investment in the seed sector and ensuring that standards are upheld across the board. The program’s emphasis on creating a transparent, well-governed seed system is expected to improve trust, increase competitiveness and draw more participation from both the private sector and development partners.
The FAO, which is co-leading the initiative, will play a central role in aligning the project with South Sudan’s national food and nutrition goals. The agency emphasized that access to quality, locally adapted seeds is vital for raising agricultural productivity, improving livelihoods and driving sustainable development.
For entrepreneurs in agriculture, particularly those involved in seed production, distribution or agribusiness services, this initiative offers substantial opportunities. It opens the door to new markets and partnerships, supported by improved regulatory systems and growing demand for certified seeds. Entrepreneurs will benefit from better policy frameworks, access to training and support for commercialization. As capacity increases and more certified seed enters the market, businesses in the agricultural value chain, from seed processors to agro-dealers, will be well positioned to grow and expand their impact.
This program is not just about technical fixes, it’s about creating an inclusive, farmer-centered system that lifts the entire agricultural sector. With strong institutional support, clear goals and an emphasis on collaboration, South Sudan is making a long-term investment in its food security and economic resilience. For agricultural entrepreneurs, this marks a promising shift toward a more dynamic, structured and opportunity-rich environment.
