AGP Executive Report

Digital Finance: The Trade and Industry Ministry and MTN are working to resolve issues blocking Mobile Money services, which businesses rely on for payments and transfers. Transport: Rehabilitation has begun on the long-delayed Magwi–Palotaka–Palwar road, expected to ease farmers’ access to markets and move goods more reliably. Business Services: Juba City Council is planning digital revenue collection to reduce leakages and fund roads, sanitation and market improvements. Standards and Trade: A refurbished national laboratory is expected to cut product certification delays from two to three months to about one; South Sudan is also helping shape regional food-safety standards. Industry and Investment: The government is reviewing mining laws and has discussed investment with Pakistan in sugar, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing. Tax Compliance: The Revenue Authority set October 15 as the deadline for businesses, including manufacturers and telecom firms, to file returns and settle outstanding taxes.

Business Reform: Juba City Council is planning to shift revenue collection online, aiming to reduce leakages and fund roads, sanitation and public markets. Tax Compliance: The Revenue Authority has set October 15 for businesses, including manufacturers, hotels, restaurants and telecom firms, to file returns and clear outstanding taxes. Standards and Trade: South Sudan’s upgraded standards laboratory could cut product-certification delays to about a month, while officials join EAC talks on common food-safety rules to support regional trade. Mining: The government is reviewing mining laws, regulations and its 2026–30 strategy to address governance gaps and attract investment. Industrial Investment: South Sudan and Pakistan discussed potential cooperation in sugar production, pharmaceuticals and other industries. Retail and Investment: Juba County says foreign investors remain welcome but should focus on wholesale, factories and larger ventures, as local authorities move to reserve small-scale retail for South Sudanese. Infrastructure: Officials are advancing a legal framework for a Roads Maintenance Fund, which still requires presidential approval.

Industrial Investment: South Sudan and Pakistan are exploring cooperation in sugar production, pharmaceuticals and wider industrial development. Mining Reform: The government has opened a review of mining laws and regulations, aiming to strengthen governance and attract investment. Energy: Juba’s petroleum ministry has signed an investment memorandum with a UAE-based firm covering exploration, infrastructure, refining and storage. Transport: Officials are advancing a Roads Maintenance Fund and reviewing the bill needed to put it in place. Trade and Manufacturing: Juba County’s push to reserve retail trade for South Sudanese has unsettled Ugandan traders, who play a major role in supplying markets. Meanwhile, China’s tariff-free access for South Sudanese products could open export opportunities, and a cassava flour processing project has launched in Wau.

Oil and Gas: South Sudan is pitching 14 exploration blocks and refinery projects to investors ahead of its November oil and power conference, with production reported at about 170,000 barrels a day. But export risks linked to conflict across the border remain a major concern. Petroleum Investment: The government has signed an agreement with UAE-based Bianchi Gold Trading to explore cooperation in oil development, infrastructure, refining and storage. Mining: Officials and industry stakeholders are reviewing proposed mining policy, a 2026–30 strategy and amendments to the Mining Act, aiming to improve governance and attract investment. Roads: The ministry is advancing a dedicated maintenance fund and Road Financing Bill; the legal framework still needs presidential approval. Trade and Investment: Juba County says foreign investors are welcome in wholesale and larger ventures, while retail should be reserved for South Sudanese—a distinction that has unsettled Ugandan traders. Markets: China’s expanded zero-tariff access could open new opportunities for South Sudanese exports, subject to origin and import rules.

Retail Trade Curbs: Juba traders are panicking after verbal notices say only South Sudanese will be allowed to run retail businesses, threatening livelihoods in markets like Konyokonyo and Gumbo where Ugandans dominate shop ownership. Elections & Local Governance: Central Equatoria caretaker Governor Jadalla told county commissioners to prioritize peace, security, unity and election readiness for the 22 Dec 2026 polls, while also pushing action against land grabbing and cattle conflicts. Public Finance & Banking: South Sudan’s Trade Ministry urged commercial banks to form a banking union and speed up digital banking as a cash shortage keeps customers from withdrawing money and disrupts trade. Energy & Infrastructure: JEDCO restored power to affected Juba areas after a billboard collapse damaged a medium-voltage line, as the city remains under temporary power rationing. Trade & Industry Support: The Association of South Sudan Manufacturers backs renovation of the Ministry of Trade compound, while China’s expanded zero-tariff policy could open new market access for South Sudanese goods. Food & Markets: The cost of the survival minimum basket fell 10% in September, but food insecurity remains severe amid drought, conflict and displacement, with Warrap declaring a humanitarian emergency. Agribusiness Push: A cassava flour processing project launched in Wau aims to cut food pressure and boost local value chains. Health System Readiness: Morobo leads disease-outbreak readiness at 83.2%, but several counties remain below 40% and face funding gaps. Maritime Costs Watch: Piracy off the Horn has hijacked six ships since April, raising import costs risk for Kenya and landlocked neighbors including South Sudan.

Election Readiness in Central Equatoria: Caretaker Governor Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani told county commissioners to prioritise peace, security, unity and voter readiness ahead of the 22 Dec 2026 polls, including outreach to holdout groups and action on land grabbing and cattle conflicts. Health System Pressure: Morobo leads disease-outbreak readiness at 83.2%, but several counties sit below 40%, while partners warn of an end-September/October funding cliff that could disrupt cholera and nutrition services. Market Costs Ease, Food Stress Persists: South Sudan’s Multi-Sector Survival basket fell 10% in September to 804,633 SSP, driven by lower food and non-food prices, yet remains up year-on-year and market constraints continue. Power and Roads Disruptions: JEDCO restored power to Juba areas hit by a billboard collapse on Feeder C, while Juba County inspected Kapuri Bridge works and warned roadside businesses to clear road reserves. Trade and Finance Moves: The Trade Ministry urged banks to form a banking union and accelerate digital banking amid a South Sudanese Pound cash shortage; manufacturers also backed renovation of the Trade Ministry compound. Agribusiness for Self-Reliance: A cassava flour processing project launched in Wau aims to cut food insecurity and boost local value chains. Regional Energy and Shipping Watch: Kenya’s Port of Lamu welcomed MV Hamouna with 5,200 TEUs for discharge, while renewed piracy in the western Indian Ocean since April is expected to raise import costs for Kenya and landlocked neighbours like South Sudan. Humanitarian Flood Prep: Somali Red Crescent and ICRC trained 72 responders for expected El Niño flooding, as drought and conflict continue to drive displacement and hunger in parts of South Sudan.

Trade & Industry Policy: China’s expanded zero-tariff access could open new doors for South Sudanese goods, with the policy taking effect May 1 and covering 100% of tariff lines for eligible African partners. Manufacturing Support: The Association of South Sudan Manufacturers backs renovation of the Juba Ministry of Trade and Industry compound, aiming to strengthen services for the private sector. Banking & Cash Crunch: The Trade Ministry urges commercial banks to form a banking union and accelerate digital banking as South Sudanese Pound shortages keep cash withdrawals and trade sluggish; Equity Bank met officials over the liquidity crisis. Infrastructure & Local Business Access: Juba County inspected Kapuri Bridge works and warned roadside businesses to vacate road reserves within seven days to improve safety and movement. Power Reliability: JEDCO restored electricity to affected Juba areas after a billboard collapsed onto a feeder line, ending the weekend outage. Agribusiness & Food Security: A cassava flour processing project launched in Wau, backed by CORWADO and Norway-funded LAST, targets cheaper flour and stronger local food systems. Shipping Costs & Security: Six ship hijackings since April in the western Indian Ocean are pushing up import costs for Kenya and landlocked neighbours, including South Sudan. Oil Sector Push: South Sudan’s Petroleum Ministry met partners to review performance and prepare an action plan to attract more investment and raise production. Arts & Creative Economy: South Sudan Artistes Union received $11,000 studio equipment to set up an affordable recording studio for registered members.

Cassava Value Chain: A cassava flour processing project was launched in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal, backed by CORWADO and Norway’s LAST programme, aiming to cut food insecurity and create affordable local flour for families and traders. Power & Urban Reliability: Juba faced outages after strong winds collapsed a billboard onto a medium-voltage line; JEDCO says repairs are underway with power expected back by the morning of 5 Oct. Women’s Economic Empowerment: In Gondokoro Island, Central Equatoria, women report progress through leadership and GBV-focused training, while CORWADO’s board review in Juba pushed for stronger governance and measurable results for women and farmers. Climate Risk in Unity: UN warns Bentiu flooding could become a permanent hydrological crisis, with 70% of land already submerged and El Niño rains raising the stakes for dykes and livelihoods. Standards & Digital Systems: South Sudan’s National Bureau of Standards moved toward a digital Enterprise Resource Planning system and engaged at ISO in Paris to strengthen trust and service delivery. Regional Trade Mindset: A Nairobi forum highlighted how businesses still treat East Africa as separate markets, calling for regional integration as a business strategy. Oil Sector Watch: South Sudan’s petroleum ministry met partners to boost investment and production as exports remain vulnerable to regional disruption. Elections Diplomacy: President Kiir travelled to Kenya for talks with Ruto on elections, stability, and economic cooperation ahead of 22 Dec 2026 polls.

South Sudan Oil Revival: The Ministry of Petroleum met partners to boost investment and production, with an action plan aimed at fixing operational and investment issues as output targets rise from current 70,000–100,000 bpd. Sudan War Impact on Exports: South Sudan told the UN that fighting in Sudan has disrupted crude exports via Port Sudan, cutting production sharply since April and threatening the state’s main revenue lifeline. Standards & Digital Services: The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards unveiled progress on an Enterprise Resource Planning system in Juba, pushing for more transparent, service-oriented operations. Forex Pressure: Bank of South Sudan data shows gross international reserves fell to about five days of import cover in Q1 2025, far below the EAC benchmark. Women & Jobs Support: Germany funded community projects for women and girls across Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal, including education, protection and economic empowerment. Agriculture Resilience: ICRC and the South Sudan Red Cross distributed tools and vegetable seeds to 800 farming families in Lainya to restart production ahead of planting. Regional Energy Trade: Ethiopia reiterated its right to build Nile dams for irrigation and water supply, while the Lamu refinery push continues to reshape East Africa’s refining and logistics outlook. Sports & Diplomacy: President Salva Kiir traveled to Kenya for talks on elections, regional stability and economic cooperation.

South Sudan Oil Revival: The Ministry of Petroleum met partners to boost investment and production as output sits around 70,000–100,000 bpd, with a new action plan aimed at fixing operational and investment bottlenecks. Sudan War Impact on Exports: Juba told the UN that fighting in Sudan has severely disrupted crude exports via Port Sudan, threatening the economy that depends almost entirely on oil revenues. Food Security Pressure: UN Women warns Middle East escalation and shipping disruptions could push up food prices, with South Sudan facing the highest proportional risk for women and girls—about 14% (one in seven) by end-2026. Cash Tax Policy for Telecoms: South Sudan directed Zain, MTN and Digitel to settle all tax obligations in cash, abandoning electronic payments, to ease a liquidity crunch. Standards & Digital Systems: SSNBS presented a developing ERP system in Juba and expanded presence at the ISO General Assembly in Paris. Women & Livelihoods Support: Germany funded community projects for women and girls across Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal, while ICRC and the Red Cross supported 800 farming families in Lainya with tools and seeds. Regional Energy Watch: Kenya’s Dangote-led Lamu refinery push is framed as a potential lifeline for South Sudan’s oil route—if Juba stays engaged.

Standards & Trade Systems: South Sudan’s National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) is rolling out a new Enterprise Resource Planning system in Juba to improve efficiency, transparency, and service delivery, while its executive director attended the ISO General Assembly in Paris to strengthen standards cooperation. Foreign Cooperation: Russia and South Sudan agreed to keep building bilateral ties after talks in Juba, with cooperation discussed across agriculture, capacity building, and investment. Macroeconomy & Liquidity: The Bank of South Sudan says gross international reserves plunged 67.21% in Q1 2025 to about five days of import cover, far below the East African Community benchmark, even as oil production resumed and trade improved. Food Security & Women: UN Women warns the Middle East escalation could push an extra 11.7 million women and girls into food insecurity by end-2026, with South Sudan facing the highest proportional risk. Agriculture Support: ICRC and the South Sudan Red Cross distributed farming tools and vegetable seeds to 800 vulnerable families in Lainya County to restart livelihoods ahead of planting. Local Governance: Central Equatoria’s caretaker governor appointed seven caretaker state ministers and other coordinators to run key services in the state. Finance for Women Businesses: Ecobank pledged $2bn to women-owned businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, including support for agribusiness in South Sudan. Tax & Telecom Cash Policy: South Sudan directed Zain, MTN, and Digitel to settle tax obligations in cash, abandoning electronic payments, as part of a revenue push amid liquidity stress.

Standards & Digital Governance: South Sudan’s National Bureau of Standards moved to the final stage of an ERP rollout in Juba, aiming for a more efficient, transparent service bureau, while its leadership also engaged on standards work at the ISO General Assembly in Paris. Foreign Exchange Pressure: The Bank of South Sudan reported gross international reserves fell to about five days of import cover in Q1 2025, far below the EAC benchmark, with oil revenue still driving fiscal performance. Women’s Economic Support: Germany funded community projects for women and girls across Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal, focusing on education, protection, economic empowerment and menstrual health. Humanitarian & Agriculture: ICRC and the South Sudan Red Cross supported 800 farming families in Lainya County with tools and vegetable seeds to restart production and strengthen food security. Food Security Risk: UN Women warned Middle East escalation could push an extra 11.7 million women and girls into food insecurity by end-2026, with South Sudan facing the highest proportional risk. Regional Trade & Energy Deals: South Sudan and Turkey moved to implement a 2017 trade and economic cooperation agreement covering mining, agriculture, fisheries, energy and tax arrangements. Oil & Logistics Watch: Lamu’s Dangote refinery project is already drawing construction cargo to the port, signaling a surge in petroleum logistics and maritime activity that could matter for the Lamu Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia corridor. Local Appointments: Central Equatoria named seven caretaker ministers, including agriculture and food security, roads and infrastructure, and finance/planning.

Oil & Trade Diplomacy: South Sudan is urged not to treat the Lamu refinery groundbreaking as “photo opportunity” as the country’s crude still runs through Sudan’s war-hit pipeline corridor, leaving exports hostage to armed control; the $16–17bn Dangote-backed 700,000 bpd project is framed as South Sudan’s best chance to loosen that grip, but Juba’s absence from early talks is called a missed move. Food Security & Gender: UN Women warns Middle East escalation could push an additional 11.7 million women and girls into food insecurity by end-2026, with South Sudan facing the highest proportional risk (about 14% of its female population). Agriculture Support: ICRC and the South Sudan Red Cross distributed tools and vegetable seeds to 800 vulnerable farming families in Lainya to restart production ahead of planting. Local Governance & Jobs: Central Equatoria’s caretaker governor named seven caretaker ministers, including Agriculture and Food Security, as the state gears up for service delivery. Finance for Women & Agribusiness: Ecobank expands credit for women-owned businesses, including agribusiness, with South Sudan included in the $2bn women-focused plan. Petroleum Leadership: President Salva Kiir appointed Awow Daniel Chuang as caretaker national petroleum minister ahead of December elections, signaling a push for investment and stronger regulation. Standards & Quality: SSNBS leadership joined ISO’s General Assembly in Paris to strengthen South Sudan’s standards infrastructure for trade. Telecom Revenue Policy: Zain, MTN and Digitel were directed to settle tax obligations in cash to support domestic revenue collection and ease liquidity strain.

Oil & Industry (East Africa): Presidents and leaders joined Aliko Dangote and Kenya’s William Ruto to break ground on the $16bn Dangote East Africa Petroleum Refinery in Lamu, a 700,000 bpd project aimed at cutting fuel imports and boosting regional jobs and industrial output, with completion targeted in 40 months and plans for power generation plus petrochemicals. South Sudan Energy & Trade: South Sudan’s Ambassador to Kenya urged Nairobi to lower costly customs bond fees and reduce delays and paperwork that raise barriers for South Sudanese traders, while the country also appointed Awow Daniel Chuang as Caretaker Minister of Petroleum to push exploration, regulation, and investment ahead of December elections. Standards & Digital Security: South Sudan’s standards chief attended the ISO General Assembly in Paris to strengthen quality assurance and integration into regional markets, while South Sudan’s telecom regulator wrapped up an East Africa cybersecurity working group in Juba, agreeing on faster CERT threat response and safer digital financial services. Local Security: In Yei, a former youth leader called out community and rights groups for silence amid reports of murder, robbery, and rape, urging stronger accountability. Transport & Logistics: Kenya’s ports push continues as HMM plans a new Mombasa-to-India container service, reinforcing the corridor role for regional trade.

Oil & Industry (South Sudan): President Salva Kiir appointed Awow Daniel Chuang as Caretaker National Minister of Petroleum, tasking him with stronger regulation and coordination as South Sudan seeks new investment for exploration and redevelopment. Standards & Trade: South Sudan’s National Bureau of Standards expanded its ISO engagement in Paris, aiming to strengthen quality assurance and better integrate into regional and international markets. Security & Community Safety (Yei): A former youth leader in Yei River County says community leaders and rights groups are staying silent as reports of murder, robbery, and rape continue, calling for clearer accountability and action. Regional Energy (Lamu refinery): East African leaders backed the $16bn Dangote refinery in Lamu, Kenya—700,000 bpd with a 40-month delivery target—positioned to boost regional energy security and industrial jobs, while South Sudan’s ambassador urged Kenya to cut costly customs barriers for South Sudanese traders. Shipping & Logistics (Mombasa): HMM plans a new Mombasa–India container service, starting next month, as ports push to deepen trade links.

Dangote Refinery Kickoff (Lamu, Kenya): Regional leaders including Kenya’s William Ruto and Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote broke ground on the $16bn, 700,000-bpd East Africa Petroleum Refinery in Lamu, targeting completion in 40 months and linking the project to the LAPSSET corridor, with claims of about 60,000 jobs and major downstream industries. South Sudan Energy Link: South Sudan’s caretaker petroleum minister joined the Lamu ceremony, framing the refinery as a way for landlocked South Sudan to expand market access through improved regional transport and refined-fuel supply. Local Content & Contracts: Reports say engineering and technology firms are already landing major roles in the build, while Dangote also promises training and local hiring in Lamu. Land & Court Tensions: The project faces protests and lawsuits over displacement and compensation, with courts ordering a status quo in parts of the land dispute. Standards & Digital Security (Juba/Paris): South Sudan’s standards bureau engaged at the ISO General Assembly in Paris, while South Sudan’s telecom regulator wrapped up a regional cybersecurity working group in Juba, agreeing on faster cyber response and safer digital financial services. Media Skills (South Sudan): Female journalists urged UJOSS and partners to move beyond certificates by offering real mentorship and job opportunities. Public Health (Cholera): WHO reports cholera deaths rose 30% in 2025, with South Sudan among the heavily affected countries.