South Sudan is seeking new investment opportunities from Saudi Arabia after senior financial officials held talks with the head of the Saudi Fund for Development in Bangkok, Thailand.

The meeting took place on October 14 during the IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings. South Sudan’s Minister of Finance and Planning, Athian Ding Athian, and Bank of South Sudan Governor Dr Addis Ababa Othow met Saudi Fund for Development Chief Executive Officer Sultan Al-Marshad to discuss potential investment opportunities.

According to the Bank of South Sudan, the discussions form part of the government’s efforts to attract international investors and expand development partnerships across different economic sectors.

The South Sudanese delegation also invited the Saudi official to undertake a working visit to explore possible areas of cooperation and discuss investment opportunities for Saudi businesses.

The outreach could create opportunities for South Sudan to attract development financing and private-sector participation, particularly as the country seeks to strengthen its economy beyond dependence on oil revenues.

However, the meeting represents an exploratory step rather than a confirmed investment agreement. No specific funding amount, approved project or investment commitment was announced in the official statement.

Further discussions and any subsequent agreements will determine whether the engagement translates into concrete projects, financing and employment opportunities for South Sudan.

The initiative highlights Juba’s continuing efforts to broaden its international economic partnerships and attract capital for national development.