In South Sudan, the edible oil sector is currently characterized by a heavy reliance on imported refined oils, despite the abundance of oil-rich crops like sesame and groundnuts. Most local production still relies on rudimentary manual methods or outdated oil press machine units that suffer from low extraction rates and high energy consumption, hindering the growth of a domestic value chain.
The geographical challenge of the Sudd region and the volatile climate create significant logistical hurdles for transporting raw seeds to centralized hubs. Consequently, there is a critical need for decentralized, small-to-medium scale oil press systems that can be operated within rural communities to reduce post-harvest losses and increase farmer income.
Furthermore, the lack of standardized quality control in traditional pressing means that much of the local oil is susceptible to rapid oxidation. The transition toward a professional oil pressing machine infrastructure is no longer a luxury but a necessity to meet the nutritional needs and safety standards of the growing South Sudanese population.
