TELLO General Trading Co. Ltd has officially launched operations in South Sudan, pledging to supply industrial grade chemicals to key sectors while working toward establishing local chemical processing within the next six months.
The company, which was unveiled during a launch ceremony at Imperial Plaza Hotel in Juba, says it aims to serve industries including petroleum, mining, water treatment, agriculture, manufacturing and public health.
Speaking at the launch, Ino Keigou John, Chief Executive Officer of TELLO General Trading Co. Ltd, said the company is entering the South Sudanese market with a long-term investment strategy that goes beyond importing chemicals.
“Our company specialises in supplying petroleum chemicals, mining processing chemicals, water treatment chemicals and other industrial products that meet international standards,” John said.
He noted that TELLO already operates in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United Arab Emirates, with additional sourcing offices in China and India.
“Our first phase is to import products from Uganda, where we already have established facilities. Once the market stabilises, our next step will be to process these products locally in South Sudan,” he said.
John said the company expects to establish itself in the market within six months before launching a local processing facility, adding that the move would create employment opportunities and strengthen domestic industrial capacity.
During the launch, company representatives said TELLO brings more than four decades of experience in chemical sourcing and distribution across East Africa and intends to become a long-term partner in South Sudan’s industrial development.
The company said it supplies chemicals for petroleum drilling, mining operations, water treatment, food processing, cosmetics, paint manufacturing, soap production and pest control.
It also emphasised that its public health products are sourced from manufacturers approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).
“We have the expertise to source, ship, store and deliver world-class chemicals at competitive prices,” company representatives said. “We want to be partners in the country’s industrial growth by providing reliable products and technical support.”
Representatives added that the company has established logistics networks across the region, supported by specialist teams and international sourcing offices, enabling it to respond quickly to customers’ needs.
The launch attracted senior government officials and private sector representatives, who welcomed the investment as a boost to South Sudan’s industrial and energy sectors.
Machar Achiek Ader, Advisor on Crude Oil and Marketing at the Ministry of Petroleum, said access to quality industrial chemicals is essential for improving efficiency and supporting the country’s oil industry.
“Investments such as this can strengthen the petroleum sector by ensuring reliable access to quality chemicals needed for exploration, production and other industrial activities. We encourage private companies that are committed to meeting international standards and supporting national development,” Ader said.
Meanwhile, Zubair Taban Zakayo, Director General for River Transport, said improved availability of industrial inputs would also benefit South Sudan’s transport and logistics sectors.
“The expansion of industrial businesses contributes to economic growth and increases demand for efficient transport and logistics services. River transport remains a critical link for moving goods across the country, and we welcome investments that support industrial development,” Zakayo said.
John said the company is currently operating from temporary offices at Imperial Plaza Hotel while its permanent office along Airport Road is being renovated. It has also established a storage facility in Gumbo to facilitate distribution.
He added that international experts would initially train local employees before handing over operations to South Sudanese staff, describing local capacity building as one of the company’s priorities.
“Our vision is to empower South Sudanese professionals by equipping them with the skills needed to operate according to international standards,” John said.
The launch marks TELLO General Trading’s first formal entry into South Sudan, with the company positioning itself as a supplier of industrial chemicals while pursuing plans to establish local processing and expand manufacturing capacity in the country.
