Rwanda’s popular Chilli sauce – Akabanga, is becoming a delicacy in Southern Sudan, impelling the manufacturer to consider laying strategies to increase supply.

Gérard Sina, the founder and Managing Director of Urwibutso Entreprises, told The New Times yesterday that he is informed that Akabanga and the Agashya juice brand are readily available in shops in the country’s capital, Juba.

"Those who have been there tell me that Akabanga is there, and I am looking at identifying the best strategy to work with them. If I get a good contact who is well established, I will send our produce,” Sina said.

Urwibutso Entreprises has eight juice brands and close to 20 pastries.

Another Rwandan company, Inyange Industries is similarly exploring business prospects in the World’s youngest nation.

Rama Kant Pandey, Inyange Industries’ Managing Director, noted that the firm had dispatched an official to conduct market assessment.

"We are looking at the possibility. It is indeed a good market opportunity – but we are examining competition from other EAC countries, and the cost of transportation, among other things,” Pandey said.

When contacted, Roger Munyampenda, the Chief Executive Officer of the Private Sector Federation (PSF), said there are a lot of opportunities for businesses to explore.

 "There are a lot of opportunities –we have heard about it. PSF welcomes the prospect of Southern Sudan becoming a member of the EAC, in future, as it will facilitate doing business,” Munyampenda said.

"We are going to organise a fact finding trade mission in early September to look for ways to streamline trade with Southern Sudan”.

PSF also plans to establish stable links with the Southern Sudan Chamber of Commerce.

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