Tali Air Hub Revives National Connectivity Ambitions
South Sudan’s plan to turn the remote Tali airstrip into a full international gateway has resurfaced, a decade after initial proposals, as officials seek to unlock economic corridors and support the envisaged national capital at Ramciel.
Transport Minister Rizik Zakaria Hassan argues that improved aviation links could shorten emergency response times and attract private investors eyeing agriculture, oil and tourism opportunities across Central Equatoria and beyond.
Chinese Roads and Bridges Corporation to Lead Studies
Juba signed an MoU with state-owned Chinese Roads and Bridges Corporation, tasking a technical team to conduct comprehensive feasibility studies for Tali International Airport and complementary transport facilities, in coordination with the Civil Aviation and Air Transport authorities.
Officials expect engineers to arrive in the coming weeks, bringing survey drones, soil probes and financial modelers aimed at producing data driven blueprints that could later unlock concessional loans or public–private partnerships.
Vetting Process Exposes ‘Briefcase’ Firms
Before sealing the accord, an internal committee evaluated five interested companies; two were found to be non-existent, locally dubbed ‘briefcase companies’, highlighting the ministry’s bid to curb speculators and reinforce transparency.
“Feasibility studies are the key gateway for every new project,” Hassan told state broadcaster SSBC, praising CRBC’s track record on African transport corridors.
From Feasibility to Runways: Roadmap Ahead
If the studies prove viable, authorities plan phased construction of runways, cargo terminals and fuel farms, positioning Tali as a regional node that can relieve pressure on Juba International and stimulate trade with neighbouring states.
Analysts note the initiative aligns with South Sudan’s infrastructure-first peace dividends, yet caution that funding, security and environmental assessments will determine the project’s runway from vision to take-off.