Vice President’s Endorsement
Juba’s inaugural Auto Show has earned powerful backing after Vice-President for Infrastructure Cluster Taban Deng Gai applauded the youth-led venture, calling it “a great initiative” and pledging open-door support for further steps toward private-sector expansion (Standard Zone News).
Youth Vision Behind the Show
During a meeting with show CEO Mandela Nelson Denis, Taban encouraged organisers to “organise yourselves and move step by step”, underlining how structured planning can turn entrepreneurial passion into bankable projects.
Nelson Denis explained that the exhibition is only the visible tip of a broader strategy meant to create jobs, sharpen technical skills and help young South Sudanese claim space in the regional automotive value chain.
Credit Access Remains Key
Yet access to credit remains a stubborn obstacle. The Vice-President urged commercial banks to back ventures of this kind, noting that responsive lending could convert youthful creativity into profitable enterprises and gradually diversify the oil-heavy economy.
Economic Ripple Prospects
Economists observe that a vibrant auto ecosystem would attract global car brands, stimulate local dealerships and nurture service networks ranging from spare-parts distribution to mechanics training. The ripple effects, they argue, could anchor new supply chains and lift small businesses in logistics and retail.
Investor Confidence Building
High-level recognition already matters. Team member Gloria Johns said presentation of the latest Juba Auto Show magazine to the Vice-President sends a reassuring signal to prospective investors watching South Sudan’s reform path with cautious optimism.