AGP Executive Report

Oil Finance: South Sudan has regained limited access to oil-backed advance financing after agreeing with commodities trader BB Energy to relax a London court injunction, with three crude cargoes awarded for August, September and November 2026. Currency Pressure: A senior economic advisor warns the South Sudanese pound could hit 1 million SSP per $100 by year-end if urgent measures aren’t taken, citing weak domestic production and low confidence. Drought Response: WFP and the government launched the country’s first drought anticipatory action plan in Budi and Kapoeta North, targeting 65,000+ people with cash support and early warning communications. Local Business & Sanitation: Juba City Council is consulting hotels and catering businesses over proposed solid waste collection fee changes, after revised charges were reported for large warehouses and small businesses. Agriculture Focus: The agriculture minister urged farmers to specialize in crops suited to local conditions to strengthen value chains and food security. Construction Safety: Police in Jonglei opened an investigation into the ambush killing of two bridge construction workers, one Ethiopian and one South Sudanese. Regional Energy Trade: Ethiopia and Kenya signed an electricity supply deal to boost cross-border power connectivity—relevant to the wider East Africa energy push. Independence & Peace Calls: As South Sudan marks 15 years of independence, officials and citizens renewed calls for unity, reconciliation, and a path to elections.

Independence & Youth Voice: Save the Children launched a children’s radio show on Eye Radio in Juba, where young people question leaders on education, conflict and the future as South Sudan marks 15 years of independence amid renewed displacement and hunger risks. Drought Response: WFP and the government activated South Sudan’s first drought anticipatory action plan in Eastern Equatoria, targeting Budi and Kapoeta North with early warning and cash support for 65,000+ people to protect livelihoods before severe dry conditions bite. Agriculture & Value Chains: The agriculture minister urged farmers to specialize in crops suited to local conditions to raise yields, expand markets and strengthen food security, pushing state-led programs and extension training. Oil & Jobs Momentum: South Sudan’s oil output reportedly passed 100,000 bpd as officials briefed President Kiir on production gains and sustaining growth. Regional Energy/Trade Push: Kenya is backing the Lamu Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia transport corridor and regional value chains, while Ethiopia reiterates plans for integrated power connectivity. Currency Pressure: A senior economic advisor warned the SSP could hit 1 million per $100 by year-end if urgent measures aren’t taken, citing weak production and low confidence. Humanitarian Tech: At the AI for Good summit, WFP highlighted AI-enabled remote-controlled vehicles to reach hard-to-access areas, including flood-prone routes. Security & Industry Risks: Police in Jonglei launched an investigation into the killing of two road/bridge construction workers in an ambush, raising concerns for contractors and infrastructure projects.

Drought Preparedness: WFP and the South Sudan government have launched the country’s first drought anticipatory action plan for Eastern Equatoria, targeting Budi and Kapoeta North counties, with cash support and early warning communications for over 65,000 people to protect livelihoods before conditions worsen. Agriculture & Food Security: The agriculture minister urged farmers to specialize in crops suited to local conditions to strengthen value chains and reduce reliance on imported food. Currency Pressure: A senior economic advisor warned the South Sudan pound could hit 1 million SSP per $100 by year-end if urgent economic measures aren’t taken, citing weak domestic production and rising dollar demand. Humanitarian Tech: At the AI for Good summit, WFP highlighted AI-enabled tools, including plans to test a remote-controlled amphibious truck to reach hard-to-access communities. Trade & Logistics: Forwarders in the region are worried Kenya’s proposed Strategic Goods Control Bill could slow time-critical clearance of aircraft spare parts. Security on Roads: Police in Jonglei launched an investigation into the ambush killing of two bridge construction workers in Duk County. Mining Regulation: Central Equatoria State introduced fines up to 30 million SSP for companies violating mining rules, pushing firms to register and comply. Oil Milestone: South Sudan’s oil output has surpassed 100,000 barrels per day as officials briefed President Kiir on gains and plans to sustain growth.

Oil & Jobs: Kenya’s President William Ruto says about 60,000 Kenyan youths will be employed on Aliko Dangote’s planned Lamu refinery, with the project also set to supply petroleum products to countries including South Sudan, Uganda and Ethiopia. Humanitarian Preparedness: WFP and South Sudan have launched the country’s first drought anticipatory action plan in Eastern Equatoria, triggering cash transfers and early warning communications to protect over 65,000 people. Regional Trade & Transport: Kenya is seeking regional backing for the Lamu Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia Transport Corridor, arguing better roads, ports and logistics will drive industrial jobs and trade. South Sudan Oil Milestone: South Sudan’s oil output has topped 100,000 barrels per day, with officials briefing President Kiir on gains and plans to sustain production. Fuel Trade Legal Fight: South Sudan’s Supreme Court has ordered a transfer of a case over a government-to-government fuel import framework with Kenya, tied to claims of monopoly. Mining & Land Administration: Central Equatoria State introduces fines up to 30 million SSP for mining regulation violations, while the state advances digital land registration to cut disputes and improve records. Climate Risk: Authorities warn of below-normal rainfall and localized flooding risks, urging water conservation, drought-tolerant farming and livestock vaccination. Bank Labour Action: Bank of South Sudan staff have called off a strike after a union-led intervention, giving management a 10-day ultimatum to clear arrears and restore benefits.

Independence & Peace: South Sudan marks 15 years since July 9, 2011, but citizens say the real priority is lasting peace, security, and a credible democratic transition. Oil & Economy: South Sudan’s oil output has topped 100,000 barrels per day after briefings on DPOC gains, underscoring how fast production growth can stabilize public finances. Fuel Trade Legal Battle: South Sudan’s Supreme Court has ordered a review of a government-to-government fuel import framework dispute involving Kenya, with an injunction still in force. Banking Industrial Action: Bank of South Sudan staff called off a strike after a union-led intervention and a 10-day ultimatum to settle unpaid arrears and restore medical insurance. Mining Regulation: Central Equatoria State introduced fines up to 30 million SSP for companies violating mining rules, pushing firms to register and comply. Land Administration: Central Equatoria is moving toward digital land registration to cut disputes and improve transparency. Climate Risk: Authorities warn of below-normal rainfall in many states, with drought and localized flooding risks—urging water conservation and drought-tolerant farming. Regional Trade & Logistics: Kenya is pushing deeper Horn of Africa integration via Lamu Port and the LAPSSET corridor, while ports are set to receive dozens of cargo vessels. Energy Connectivity: Ethiopia says it will keep advancing regional power connectivity under the Eastern Africa Power Pool.

Oil & Energy: South Sudan’s oil output has topped 100,000 barrels per day, with VP Atak Santino briefing President Kiir on gains and plans to sustain production momentum. Legal & Trade: The Supreme Court has ordered the Court of Appeal to send a case on South Sudan’s government-to-government fuel import framework to the Supreme Court for review, keeping a fuel monopoly challenge in focus. Oil Dispute Resolution: South Sudan has eased its oil dispute with BB Energy, awarding three crude cargoes to restore access to crude financing while injunction relief runs until end of November 2026. Mining Regulation: Central Equatoria State introduced fines up to 30 million SSP for companies violating mining rules, pushing firms to register and hold valid permits. Digital Services: Central Equatoria State is advancing digital land registration to cut disputes and improve transparency in land ownership and transfers. Banking Industrial Action: Bank of South Sudan staff called off a strike after a union-led intervention, but issued a 10-day ultimatum over unpaid benefits and medical insurance. Climate Risk: Authorities warn of below-normal rainfall in many states, with drought and localized flooding risks affecting food, livestock, and public health. Security on Roads: Ambushes along the Bor–Pibor route killed students and a driver, renewing calls for stronger patrols. Regional Trade & Logistics: Kenya renewed its push for Horn of Africa integration, highlighting Lamu Port and the LAPSSET corridor as key logistics and processing links. Public Health: U.S. Ebola screening remains active through July 21 for travelers from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan amid Bundibugyo strain concerns. Governance & Industry Policy: A CID probe is underway after Excise security stickers were found on counterfeit liquor bottles, raising concerns about fraud in consumer goods.

South Sudan Oil & Trade Courts: South Sudan’s fuel import dispute is now headed to the Supreme Court after the Court of Appeal ordered the case file transferred, keeping an interim injunction in place while the review continues. Oil Revenue Deal: South Sudan has eased an oil dispute with BB Energy by awarding three crude cargoes to help reduce debt under a prepayment arrangement, allowing advance payments to resume under conditions. Tax Reform Push: President Salva Kiir has formed an ad hoc committee to review and end non-statutory tax exemptions, aiming to tighten revenue collection and crack down on exemptions granted outside the law. Banking Industrial Action: Bank of South Sudan staff called off a strike over unpaid arrears after union talks, with management given a 10-day ultimatum to meet demands. Climate Risk for Industry & Food: Authorities warn of below-normal rainfall and rising temperatures, with drought and localized flooding risks that could hit farming, livestock, and public health. Logistics & Ports: Kenya’s Mombasa and Lamu ports are set to receive 48 cargo vessels in two weeks, reinforcing regional shipping and trade routes that South Sudan depends on. Security on Key Roads: Ambushes along the Bor–Pibor route killed students and a driver, raising concerns for passenger and commercial transport safety. East Africa Refining Boom: Aliko Dangote’s planned 700,000-bpd refinery is confirmed for Lamu, Kenya—an investment that could reshape fuel supply across the region including South Sudan.

Security on the Bor–Pibor corridor: Three people were killed and three others injured in separate ambushes along the Bor–Pibor road, including attacks on students travelling toward Juba and a driver linked to a construction convoy. Tax and revenue pressure: Analyst Boboya James Edimond questioned President Salva Kiir’s new committee on unlawful tax exemptions, saying existing institutions already have the mandate—while Kiir’s order aims to end non-statutory exemptions and tighten enforcement at borders. Hotel payment dispute: South Sudan’s Finance ministry is accused of blocking a nearly 10-month-old agreement worth about $27.4M owed to hotels that hosted peace partners, raising fresh concerns over government accountability. Local development and resilience: World Bank-backed ECRP-II support is helping flood-displaced families return and rebuild in Rubkona, Unity State, with dikes, roads, schools, health services and water points. Trade and agriculture links: The Trade Minister met South Sudan’s envoy to Ghana to boost investment and market access, while South Sudan backed EAC agricultural reform and moved toward a Tanzania cooperation deal to strengthen maize trade and farming capacity. Energy investment watch: Dangote confirmed plans for a 700,000 bpd refinery in Kenya, a move that could reshape East Africa’s fuel supply and regional logistics. Ebola response progress: Africa CDC welcomed clinical trial steps targeting the Bundibugyo Ebola strain, as the outbreak in DRC continues to spread without a licensed vaccine or targeted treatment. Regional air cargo connectivity: ProCharter launched new direct cargo routes from Nairobi to Mogadishu, Kismayo, Djibouti and Juba to improve access for time-sensitive goods.

El Niño & Food Security: UN agencies say El Niño may intensify extreme weather across Africa, with South Sudan listed among 22 high-risk countries; FAO and WFP are appealing for over $200m to protect 8.8m people using cash support, climate-resilient seeds, livestock protection and flood-control measures. China–South Sudan Ties: Juba marked the CPC’s 105th anniversary with renewed focus on people-centred development, with China highlighting support for South Sudan’s energy, health, education and infrastructure. Tax Reform: President Salva Kiir formed an ad hoc committee to review and end non-statutory tax exemptions, aiming to strengthen revenue collection and tighten enforcement at borders and customs points. Community Resilience & Infrastructure: World Bank-backed ECRP-II is helping nearly 5,000 Rubkona flood-displaced residents return home after dikes reclaimed land, alongside restored roads, schools, health facilities and water points. Trade & Investment: South Sudan’s Trade Minister met the ambassador to Ghana to push stronger bilateral trade, investment and market access. Ebola Response (Bundibugyo): Africa CDC backs a clinical trial for Bundibugyo Ebola therapeutics in DRC, as cases rise to 1,561 with 506 deaths and responders still lack licensed vaccines or targeted treatments. Security on Key Routes: Reports of ambushes along the Bor–Pibor road killed students and a construction materials driver, prompting calls for stronger patrols. Energy/Industry Link: Dangote confirmed a 700,000-bpd refinery in Kenya, a major East Africa fuel-supply bet that could affect regional logistics and costs. Air Cargo for Business: ProCharter launched four weekly Nairobi cargo corridors to Mogadishu, Kismayo, Djibouti and Juba to speed trade and time-sensitive shipments.

World Bank Resilience Boost: South Sudan’s ECRP-II project (World Bank-approved, $150m) is helping communities rebuild after floods, with protective dikes, roads, boreholes, schools and health facilities—targeting about 920,000 people across 12 counties. Trade & Investment Push: Juba’s Trade Minister directed the South Sudan ambassador to Ghana to deepen trade and investment ties, building on a 2015 cooperation agreement covering sectors like agriculture and mining. Agriculture Integration: South Sudan backed the EAC agricultural reform agenda in Dar es Salaam, with ministers agreeing on a shift toward commercial mechanised farming, better seeds and value addition, and stronger cross-border commodity trade; South Sudan and Tanzania also plan an August agriculture cooperation push focused on maize. Air Cargo for Business: ProCharter launched four weekly cargo corridors from Nairobi to Mogadishu, Kismayo, Djibouti and Juba to speed imports/exports for FMCG and time-sensitive goods. Fuel Monopoly in Court: Juba’s Court of Appeal is set to resume hearing a case challenging South Sudan’s government-to-government fuel import arrangement granting Pacific Petroleum exclusive rights. Energy Investment Watch: Dangote says it will build a 700,000 bpd refinery in Kenya as part of a wider East Africa refining push. Ebola Treatment Hope: DRC researchers say there’s still hope for Bundibugyo Ebola, with NV-387 oral gummies moving toward Phase II trial planning. Doping Sanctions: A South Sudanese runner received an eight-year ban after tampering with anti-doping documentation, while other athletes faced sanctions. Infrastructure Recovery: Upper Nile began reconstruction of government radio facilities in Malakal, funded by JICA and implemented with UNESCO, to restore state broadcasting.

EAC Agriculture Push: South Sudan’s agriculture minister Clement Juma Mbugoniwia backed the EAC agricultural reform agenda in Dar es Salaam, endorsing moves to shift from subsistence to commercial mechanised farming, improve seed processing, and boost value addition and cross-border trade. Trade & Investment Links: South Sudan’s Trade Minister Dr Labanya Margret Mathya directed the country’s ambassador to Ghana to deepen trade and investment cooperation, building on a 2015 general cooperation deal covering agriculture, mining and technical cooperation. Air Cargo for Businesses: ProCharter Aviation launched four new weekly cargo corridors from Nairobi to Mogadishu, Kismayo, Djibouti and Juba, offering consolidation and freighter options to speed FMCG and time-sensitive shipments into East Africa. Fuel Monopoly in Court: Juba’s Court of Appeal is set to resume hearing a case challenging South Sudan’s government-to-government fuel import arrangement that granted Pacific Petroleum exclusive rights, after an interim injunction and a directive to revoke a related letter. Infrastructure & Media: Upper Nile authorities launched reconstruction of government radio facilities in Malakal, funded by JICA and implemented with UNESCO, aiming to restore state broadcasting by September. Hunger Risk from El Niño: FAO and WFP appealed for over $200m to protect 8.8m people in high-risk countries including South Sudan from the return of El Niño, using cash transfers, climate-resilient seeds and flood control. Regional Connectivity in Health: Ethiopia’s Deputy PM urged African-led solutions for health system resilience, stressing stronger research, innovation and partnerships between universities, hospitals and industry.

Ebola Response: DRC’s top Ebola scientist Jean‑Jacques Muyembe says there’s still hope for the fast-spreading Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, with plans to work on a monoclonal antibody with an American team as no licensed vaccine or cure exists yet. Healthcare Investment: Unihealth Hospitals Limited approved a share-swap to raise its stake in Uganda’s Victoria Hospital Limited to 99.81%, signaling deeper regional healthcare consolidation. Air Cargo & Trade Links: ProCharter launched four new direct air cargo corridors from Nairobi to Mogadishu, Kismayo, Djibouti and Juba to speed up East Africa freight and support time-sensitive imports and exports. Energy & Industry: Dangote says its planned Kenya refinery will process 700,000 barrels per day, expanding a wider East Africa refining push that could cut fuel import dependence. Customs & Logistics Corridor: South Sudan and Tanzania signed a customs cooperation deal to improve cargo movement via Dar es Salaam port, including digital integration and a dedicated customs office plan. Public Infrastructure: Upper Nile started reconstruction of government radio facilities in Malakal, funded by JICA and implemented with UNESCO to restore state broadcasting. Food Security Warning: UN agencies warn South Sudan’s hunger crisis is worsening as funding falls short, with millions facing rationed aid and “Crisis” or worse hunger levels. MSME Finance: Optasia rolled out merchant lending in South Sudan as Africa’s fintech shift targets business credit beyond consumer loans.

Energy & Industry: Dangote Industries says its planned East Africa refinery in Kenya will process 700,000 barrels per day, boosting total refining capacity to 2.1 million bpd and strengthening fuel supply for the region. Trade & Logistics: South Sudan and Tanzania sign a customs cooperation deal to speed cargo movement through the Port of Dar es Salaam, with plans for a dedicated customs office and digital information sharing to ease trader bottlenecks. Fuel Market & Courts: Juba’s Court of Appeal is set to resume hearings on Tuesday in a fuel monopoly case challenging a government-to-government arrangement granting Pacific Petroleum exclusive import and supply rights. Infrastructure & Public Services: Upper Nile authorities launch reconstruction of government radio facilities in Malakal, implemented by UNESCO with JICA funding, aiming to restore state broadcasting by September. Local Governance & Resilience: Unity State inaugurates a World Bank-funded community centre in Rubkona under ECRP II, alongside flood mitigation works like dykes and roads. Humanitarian & Food Security: UN agencies warn South Sudan’s hunger crisis is worsening as funding falls short, with millions pushed into severe hunger and aid rationed to the worst-affected areas. Weather Risk: The WMO warns of a high chance of a strong El Niño, raising drought and heavy rainfall risks that could hit food and livelihoods. Business Finance: Optasia expands merchant lending across emerging markets, including South Sudan, as MSME credit gaps drive fintech shifts toward supporting business growth.

Radio & Elections Readiness: Upper Nile authorities launched UNESCO-reconstructed facilities for the government-owned Malakal radio station, aiming to restore state broadcasting disrupted by years of conflict, with contractor J&S targeting handover by September. Fuel Monopoly in Court: Juba’s Court of Appeal is set to resume on Monday, 7 July, over a challenge to a government-to-government fuel import arrangement granting Pacific Petroleum exclusive rights, with Advocates Without Borders arguing it created an unlawful monopoly harming competition and consumers. Trade & Customs: South Sudan and Tanzania signed a customs cooperation deal to speed cargo movement through Dar es Salaam port and strengthen the Dar es Salaam–South Sudan trade corridor, including plans for a dedicated customs office and digital information sharing. Community Resilience: Unity State inaugurated a World Bank-funded community centre in Rubkona County under the ECRP II project, alongside flood mitigation works like roads and dykes. Passports Processing Boost: South Sudan’s civil registry directorate says new passport booklets will cut processing time to about two to three days after receiving 5,000 additional booklets. Energy Watch: Dangote Industries says its planned East Africa refinery in Kenya will refine 700,000 barrels per day, signaling a push to deepen regional fuel supply. Cybercrime Enforcement: The National Security Service says it is using digital forensics to identify people behind false online posts and will arrest and prosecute suspects under South Sudan’s Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act. Food Security Pressure: UN agencies warn South Sudan’s hunger crisis is worsening as funding shortfalls force aid rationing, leaving millions in severe risk conditions.

Humanitarian Funding Crunch: UN agencies warn South Sudan is nearing a hunger tipping point as funding shortfalls force aid rationing, leaving millions outside “catastrophe” support and pushing 7.8 million people into Crisis or worse. Trade & Logistics: South Sudan and Tanzania signed a customs cooperation deal to speed cargo movement via Dar es Salaam port, with plans for a dedicated customs office and digital information sharing to ease trader bottlenecks. Local Infrastructure & Resilience: Unity State inaugurated a World Bank-funded community centre in Rubkona under ECRP II, alongside flood mitigation works including roads and dykes to protect communities from recurrent flooding. Civil Registry Services: Passport booklets for South Sudan’s civil registry directorate arrived in bulk, cutting processing time to about 2–3 days after the new supply. Cross-Border Commerce: Greater Pibor and Ethiopia agreed to strengthen border trade and security, aiming to curb illegal trade and expand legal commerce under the Border Trade Protocol. Energy & Electrification Context: A new electrification snapshot shows South Sudan remains among the least electrified countries, underscoring the scale of the challenge for power access. Security & Online Information: South Sudan’s National Security Service says it is using digital forensics to identify people behind false online posts, warning of arrests under the cybercrime law.

Customs & Trade Corridor: South Sudan and Tanzania signed a customs cooperation deal to speed cargo movement via the Port of Dar es Salaam, with plans for a dedicated customs office and digital integration between the South Sudan Revenue Authority and Tanzania Revenue Authority. Hunger & Food Security: UN agencies warn South Sudan’s funding shortfall is pushing millions toward acute hunger, with 7.8 million people (55%) projected in Crisis or worse and aid being rationed to IPC Phase 5 areas. Cross-Border Security & Border Trade: South Sudan and Ethiopia agreed to strengthen border security and legal cross-border commerce, reaffirming implementation of the Border Trade Protocol to curb illegal trade and support livelihoods in border communities. Energy & Electrification Context: A new SDG 7 report highlights how electrification gaps remain severe across the region, with South Sudan listed among the least electrified countries. Public Sector & Digital Enforcement: South Sudan’s National Security Service says it is using digital forensics to track people behind false online information and warns of arrests under the new Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act. Climate Risk for Agriculture: El Niño conditions are forecast to intensify drought and heavy rainfall risks, threatening food systems in vulnerable regions.