Juba Central Market, also known as Konyo Konyo (كونيو كونيو), is the heart of commerce in South Sudan’s capital. This market is where locals go to buy everything from fresh fruit to electronics, and it’s a true reflection of the country’s ongoing struggle and resilience.
Even with the challenges South Sudan faces, Konyo Konyo runs with a certain calm, though there’s a fair share of hustle and bustle.
What You’ll Find at Juba Central Market
The market is a chaotic mix of essential goods, food, clothes, and gadgets. Vendors line the streets, shouting out their prices, trying to get your attention. Whether you’re after some fresh fruit, a new phone, or just a bite to eat, you can find it here.
Street Food in Juba Central Market
If you’re hungry, you won’t have any trouble finding something to eat. The street food here is cheap, quick, and filling. Here are some popular options you can try:
- Grilled Meat: You’ll find skewers of goat and beef, typically served with chapati or rice. It’s an easy meal on the go.
- Ful Medames: A simple, hearty fava bean stew that’s a staple in Sudanese cuisine.
- Asida and Mullah: A heavy maize-based dish served with a meat or vegetable sauce.
- Dried Fish: Deep-fried or stewed, often served with peanuts and vegetables.
- Sambusas: Fried pastries filled with spiced meat or vegetables, the South Sudanese version of samosas.
- Fresh Fruit Juices: Vendors sell freshly blended fruit juices, with orange juice being a popular choice.
You might also come across more unusual items like wild game meat, although I didn’t get lucky enough to try that during my visit.
Fresh Produce and Groceries
For those looking to stock up on fresh food, Juba Central Market is the place to go. The market offers a range of locally grown produce and goods imported from nearby countries like Uganda and Kenya. Expect to find:
- Fruits: Mangoes, bananas, and pineapples are commonly sold.
- Vegetables: Okra, tomatoes, and cassava are staples.
- Spices: Basic spices like cumin and dried chili can be found easily.
- Grains: Bags of rice, lentils, and sorghum are sold in bulk.
- South Sudanese Peanut Butter: It’s a local favorite, and you’ll see it for sale often.
Clothing and Football Shirts
Football is huge in South Sudan, and you can find all kinds of football shirts here. Most of them are knock-offs, with popular teams like Barcelona, Manchester United, and Al-Merrikh.
The quality varies, but if you’re good at haggling, you might get a decent deal. Personally, I tried to buy a South Sudan football shirt, but I ended up with one that was too small, and the badge fell off before I had even worn the thing, so not quite as successful as Tunisia.
Electronics and Household Goods
Looking for cheap electronics? Juba Central Market has you covered. Phones, second-hand laptops, and Chinese-made solar panels are common items. You’ll also find generators, which are in high demand due to frequent power cuts. Phones, in particular, are a big deal here.
While many people still rely on basic non-smartphones, brands like OPPO are considered the high-end options. And there is even one Apple Store.
Money Exchange
Currency exchange is a big part of the market’s activity. You’ll find people offering rates for South Sudanese pounds (SSP), U.S. dollars, Ugandan shillings, and Kenyan shillings. The black market usually offers better rates than banks, but trying to exchange anything other than USD can be a real hassle.
Changing money into South Sudanese Pounds, as I have covered will likely make you a very rich (paper) millionaire.
The Market Atmosphere and Safety Tips
Konyo Konyo (كونيو كونيو) is loud and chaotic. There’s a mix of sounds—vendors shouting, cars honking, and the smell of grilled meat in the air. The atmosphere can be overwhelming, but it’s a good reflection of life in South Sudan: busy, hectic, and unpredictable.
While the market is generally safe, there are pickpockets, and foreigners are often targeted. It’s a good idea to keep your wallet and phone close, avoid flashing large amounts of cash, and stay alert. Police presence is low, so crime tends to be opportunistic. You’ll probably get a lot of attention as a foreigner, but most vendors are more interested in making a sale than harassing you. If you can speak a bit of Juba Arabic, you’ll probably get a better deal, and haggling is expected. But remember, there’s a fine line between getting a good bargain and being rude.
How to Get to Juba Central Market
Konyo Konyo (كونيو كونيو) Market is in the heart of Juba, so getting there is easy. It’s about 5 kilometers from Juba International Airport, and you can take a taxi or a boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) directly to the market. If you’re already in Juba, local minibuses and taxis pass by or stop near the market. It’s a central spot in the city, so it’s not hard to find.
Operating Hours of Juba Central Market
The market is open every day, from early morning until around 5:00 PM. After that, most vendors pack up and head home. It’s best to go early to avoid the midday heat and the busiest crowds.
Final Thoughts on Juba Central Market
Juba Central Market, or Konyo Konyo (كونيو كونيو), is where you’ll experience the hustle and bustle of Juba’s daily life. It’s a place where you can buy anything from fresh food to electronics, get a quick bite to eat, or exchange some money.
While the atmosphere can be chaotic, it’s a vital part of life in South Sudan. Just keep an eye on your belongings, be prepared to haggle, and enjoy the experience.
Click to read about my tours to South Sudan with Young Pioneer Tours.