AGP Executive Report

Market Regulation: South Sudan’s Ministry of Trade and Industry launched the Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) in Juba to curb monopolies, enforce pricing standards, and tackle unsafe products. Food & Farming: Eastern Equatoria faces drought-driven crop failures and seed shortages, with officials urging farmers to keep planting after rains return. Social Protection: The Shabaka Meisha project reassured beneficiaries that delayed World Bank cash transfers under SNSOP will be cleared, after concerns over six pending payment cycles. Water & Health Risks: Reports from Unity State’s Bentiu POC camp highlight worsening water scarcity and fears of contaminated fish near oil areas. Climate Shock: Agencies warn El Niño could intensify hunger across Africa, while drought and floods are already disrupting livelihoods. Agribusiness Integrity: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security warned the public about a fake “Agricultural SMEs Grant” online offer with a false August 3 deadline. Youth & Jobs: Central Equatoria plans vocational training and agriculture projects to empower young people and create employment. Regional Trade Links: South Sudan–Kenya efforts to push direct road connections aim to boost trade and logistics.

Trade & Transport: South Sudan and Kenya renewed efforts to finish the Lokichokio–Nadapal–Juba road corridor, aiming to cut cargo transit time and reduce delays at the Port of Mombasa. Youth & Jobs: Central Equatoria plans vocational training and agriculture projects to empower young people and create employment. Agribusiness: The African Cashew Alliance trained 81 cashew actors across 11 countries, including South Sudan, to boost production, processing, value addition and market access. Digital Finance: A new report highlights how South Sudan’s fintech push is trying to expand access in a cash-heavy, conflict-affected economy. Infrastructure & Industry: An industrial chemical supplier officially launched operations in South Sudan, signaling new supply capacity for local businesses. Health & Risk: WHO says the DRC Ebola outbreak is intensifying fast, with no vaccine for the strain driving it—raising cross-border health and logistics concerns for the region. Food Security: UN warns hunger is worsening as major donors retreat, with Somalia flagged for climate-linked flood and drought risks.

South Sudan–Kenya Trade & Roads: South Sudan and Kenya renewed efforts to complete the Lokichokio–Nadapal–Juba corridor, aiming to cut cargo transit times and reduce costs by avoiding the longer Mombasa–Nairobi–Kampala route. Youth & Jobs in Central Equatoria: The state plans vocational training and agriculture projects to absorb young people into practical skills and farming-based employment. Digital Finance Focus: A new analysis highlights how South Sudan’s fintech push is trying to work in a cash-heavy economy where formal banking access is limited. Agriculture Skills for Value Addition: The African Cashew Alliance trained 81 cashew actors across 11 countries, including South Sudan, on production, processing, quality and marketing to boost rural incomes. Logistics Lessons for the Region: A report on China’s Xiamen shows how faster customs clearance (down 30%) can lower trade costs—relevant for South Sudan’s push to improve regional supply routes. UNESCO Heritage for South Sudan: UNESCO inscribed 25 new World Heritage sites, including South Sudan’s Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape under emergency protection. Health & Border Measures: With Ebola surging in DR Congo, India reported screening thousands of travelers arriving from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, with no cases detected so far.

UNESCO & Heritage: South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape was among 25 new UNESCO World Heritage additions in Busan, with 19 cultural, five natural and one mixed site—also showing how conflict is pushing more properties onto emergency protection. Trade & Transport: South Sudan and Kenya renewed talks to complete the Lokichokio–Nadapal–Juba road corridor, aiming to cut cargo transit time and reduce delays at Mombasa port. Border Revenue Crackdown: South Sudan’s economic reforms committee ordered security agencies on the Juba–Nimule Highway to stop intercepting trucks for unofficial taxes and fees, directing revenue collection to authorized points in Nimule. Digital Finance: A new report highlights how South Sudan’s pro-cash economy is shaping fintech growth, with access and trust still bigger hurdles than convenience. Youth Jobs & Agriculture: Central Equatoria plans vocational training and agriculture projects to empower young people, including setting up vocational schools for those who missed formal education. Ebola Watch (Regional): The DRC Ebola outbreak is intensifying and has no vaccine for the strain; India reported screening 10,974 travellers from Ebola-affected countries with no cases detected so far. Cashew Value Chain: Africa trained 81 cashew experts in Mombasa to boost production, processing and market access, including participants from South Sudan. Mobile Tariffs: South Sudan’s regulator approved a second phase of mobile tariff exchange-rate adjustments for Digitel, MTN and Zain. Livelihoods (Soap Making): Women in Juba were trained to produce liquid soap to start small businesses and strengthen savings groups.

Trade & Transport: South Sudan and Kenya renewed talks to complete the Lokichokio–Nadapal–Juba road corridor, aiming to cut the long Mombasa–Nairobi–Kampala route and reduce port delays and transport costs. Road Corridor Revenue: A ministerial committee ordered security agencies on the Juba–Nimule Highway to stop intercepting trucks for unofficial taxes and fees, saying revenue must be collected only at authorized points. Youth & Agriculture Jobs: Central Equatoria plans vocational training and agriculture projects to help young people gain practical skills and employment, including setting up vocational schools and rehabilitation of recreation spaces. Digital Finance: South Sudan’s push toward digital finance is highlighted as a way to improve access in a pro-cash economy where formal banking remains limited. Mobile Sector: South Sudan’s regulator approved a second mobile tariff hike after consultations with operators and stakeholders. Health & Cross-Border Preparedness: WHO says Ebola in DR Congo is intensifying fast, while India reports screening of international passengers arriving from DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan with no Ebola case detected so far. Heritage & Tourism Signals: UNESCO inscribed 25 new World Heritage sites, including South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape under an emergency procedure. Local Livelihoods: Women in Juba were trained to make liquid soap to start small businesses and strengthen savings groups. Economy & Confidence: CEPO says election preparations for December 2026 are losing public trust due to delayed funding and insecurity. Gold & Informal Mining Risk: A study warns informal gold trade is draining African governments as large volumes leave official channels, complicating regulation of artisanal mining.

Telecom Tariffs: South Sudan’s regulator approved the second phase of a mobile tariff exchange-rate adjustment, effective 26 July, after consultations with operators and stakeholders. Trade & Revenue Enforcement: Security agencies along the Juba–Nimule Highway were ordered to stop intercepting commercial trucks to collect taxes or fees, with revenue to be handled only by authorized institutions at Nimule. Elections & Public Trust: CEPO says confidence in December 2026 election preparations is falling due to delayed funding for voter education and insecurity affecting electoral activities. Oil & Industry: Nilepet denied online claims of a ransomware cyberattack, saying its ICT systems are secure and operating normally. Industrial Inputs: Tello General Trading Company launched in Juba to supply specialty chemicals for oil production, mining, water treatment and pest control. Livelihoods: Juba women were trained in liquid soap making to boost household incomes through small-scale sales and savings groups. Agriculture & Safety: Aweil East farmer died after a payment dispute over ox-ploughing services escalated into violence. Health Cooperation: Kenya and partners including South Sudan are developing a regional framework to jointly procure emergency medical supplies during outbreaks. Global Health Watch: WHO warned Ebola in DR Congo is intensifying with sustained transmission, with the outbreak near South Sudan’s border. Heritage & Tourism: UNESCO inscribed 25 new World Heritage sites, including South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape under emergency protection.

Telecom Tariffs: South Sudan’s regulator approved a second phase of mobile tariff exchange-rate adjustments, effective 26 July, after consultations with operators and stakeholders—an important signal for communications affordability and industry planning. Trade & Revenue Enforcement: Security agencies on the Juba–Nimule Highway were ordered to stop intercepting commercial trucks to collect taxes or fees, with revenue to be handled only by authorized institutions—good news for logistics flow and border commerce. Elections & Funding: CEPO says confidence in December 2026 election preparations is falling due to delayed voter education funds and insecurity, warning that key electoral activities are being slowed by financing gaps—directly affecting public service delivery. Agribusiness Safety: A payment dispute over ox-ploughing services in Northern Bahr el Ghazal turned fatal, highlighting risks in farm labor and rural contracting. Oil & Industry: Nilepet denied social-media claims of a ransomware cyberattack, saying its ICT systems are secure and operating normally—critical for energy sector continuity. Women’s Livelihoods: In Juba, women were trained to make liquid soap for sale, aiming to boost household income and savings groups—supporting small-scale manufacturing.

Telecom Tariffs: South Sudan’s regulator approved a second phase of mobile tariff exchange-rate adjustments, with Digitel, MTN and Zain saying the new rates took effect at midnight on 26 July. Trade & Security: The Ministerial High-Level Committee on Economic Reforms ordered security agencies along the Juba–Nimule Highway to stop intercepting commercial trucks to collect taxes or fees, directing revenue collection to authorized institutions in Nimule. Elections & Trust: CEPO says confidence in December 2026 election preparations is falling due to delayed voter education funding and worsening insecurity, with the National Elections Commission and Political Parties Council citing financial constraints. Roads & Construction: A temporary diversion road has been opened around Kapuri Bridge in Juba County as rehabilitation preparations begin, keeping traffic moving while the damaged bridge is repaired. Agriculture & Safety: In Northern Bahr el Ghazal, a payment dispute over ox-ploughing services turned fatal, leaving a 40-year-old farmer dead after an alleged assault. Women & Livelihoods: In Jebel Yesua, Juba, women were trained to produce liquid soap to sell and strengthen savings groups, aiming to ease household costs. Oil & Industry: Nilepet denied social media claims of a cyberattack and ransom threat, saying its ICT systems are secure and operating normally. Business Entry: Tello General Trading Company launched operations in Juba to supply specialty chemicals for oil production, mining, water treatment and pest control. Regional Health Cooperation: Kenya and partners including South Sudan are developing a framework to jointly procure emergency medical supplies during outbreaks.

Telecom Tariffs: South Sudan’s regulator has approved a second phase of mobile tariff exchange-rate adjustments, effective 26 July, after consultations with operators and stakeholders. Trade & Revenue Controls: A ministerial committee ordered security agencies on the Juba–Nimule Highway to stop intercepting commercial trucks for taxes and fees, directing all revenue collection to authorized institutions at border points like Nimule. Roads & Construction: The Ministry of Roads and Bridges opened a temporary diversion road around Kapuri Bridge in Juba County as rehabilitation preparations begin, with a contractor to be identified and supported by local authorities. Oil & Industry: Nilepet dismissed social media claims of a ransomware cyberattack, saying its ICT systems are secure and operating normally. Business for Extractives: Tello General Trading Company launched in Juba to supply specialty industrial chemicals for oil production, mining, water treatment, and pest control. Agriculture & Local Economy: Women in Jebel Yesua, Juba, were trained to make liquid soap to sell and strengthen savings groups. Health & Risk: DRC’s Ebola outbreak surged to record-high scale, with contact-tracing gaps and unknown transmission chains driving new cases—highlighting the need for stronger outbreak logistics and screening.

Industrial Chemicals in Juba: Tello General Trading Company Limited has officially launched operations in South Sudan, aiming to supply specialty chemicals for oil production, mining, water treatment and pest control, with a longer-term push toward local manufacturing and jobs. Oil Company Update: Nilepet has dismissed online claims of a cyberattack and ransom demand, saying its ICT systems are secure and fully operational. Roads & Construction: The Ministry of Roads and Bridges opened a temporary diversion road around Kapuri Bridge in Juba County as rehabilitation of the damaged bridge is set to begin. Agribusiness & Livelihoods: In Juba, women have been trained in liquid soap production to start small-scale sales and strengthen savings groups; in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, a payment dispute over ox-ploughing turned fatal. Economic Outlook: The AfDB warns South Sudan’s economy remains vulnerable despite oil export recovery, urging diversification into agriculture, livestock, mining, tourism and renewable energy. Transport & Trade Links: Civil society is calling for urgent rehabilitation of the Wau–Baziya–Raja Road, saying rainy-season damage is isolating communities and raising living costs. Party Mobilisation: SPLM leadership in Eastern Equatoria launched membership registration and renewal ahead of the Dec. 22 elections, while senior figures defected to SPLM in Torit.

Industrial Chemicals & Oil Supply: Tello General Trading Company Limited officially launched operations in Juba, aiming to supply specialty chemicals for oil production, mining, water treatment and pest control—while urging a future shift toward local manufacturing. Roads & Construction: The Ministry of Roads and Bridges opened a temporary diversion road around Kapuri Bridge in Juba County as rehabilitation of the damaged bridge prepares to begin, keeping traffic moving while a contractor is identified. Energy & Regional Trade: Ethiopia–Kenya cooperation is expanding, with renewed focus on the LAPSSET Corridor linking Ethiopia, South Sudan and Kenya, plus plans to expand the Port of Lamu and energy power transfers. Economy & Investment Outlook: The AfDB projects South Sudan’s economy could grow 22% in 2026 as oil exports recover, but warns growth remains heavily exposed to shocks—calling for diversification into agriculture, mining, tourism and renewables. Agriculture & Climate Risk: Farmers in Yei report major crop losses from prolonged dry spells, while El Niño conditions are flagged as a driver of below-average rains in parts of western South Sudan. Elections & Youth: The SPLM launched membership registration and renewal ahead of Dec. 22 elections, and youth leaders renewed calls for at least 20% leadership representation. Heritage & Tourism Signals: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites for 2026, including a South Sudan listing, boosting long-term visibility for heritage-linked tourism and services.

Roads & Trade Access: A civil society group is urging the national government to urgently rehabilitate the Wau–Baziya–Raja Road after rainy-season damage left potholes and flooded sections nearly impassable, delaying patients and traders and driving up living costs in Western Bahr el Ghazal. Economic Outlook: The AfDB projects South Sudan’s economy could grow 22% in 2026, citing improving oil exports and macroeconomic conditions, while warning the country must diversify into agriculture, livestock, mining, tourism and renewable energy. Elections & Youth: The South Sudan National Youth Union is calling for political parties to reserve at least 20% of leadership roles for young people ahead of the December 2026 general elections. Energy & Regional Infrastructure: Uganda’s Treasury Secretary and the Ministry of Energy’s PS have been appointed to the Kenya Pipeline Company board, strengthening regional petroleum logistics across East Africa. Agriculture & Climate: Farmers in Yei report a sharp drop in maize harvest after prolonged dry spells, blaming delayed rains and calling for training on new farming methods. Heritage & Tourism Potential: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites in Busan, including South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, with emergency protection also flagged for threatened sites. Food Security Warning: A new UN report says Africa has become the global epicenter of hunger, with conflict and climate shocks— including in Sudan and South Sudan—pushing more people into undernourishment. International Engagement: South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir confirmed participation in the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow, with talks expected to cover humanitarian, agriculture and energy cooperation.

Road Rehabilitation Watch: A civil society leader in Western Bahr el Ghazal is urging urgent rehabilitation of the Wau–Baziya–Raja Road, saying rainy-season potholes and flooded streams are making trips take days, blocking access to healthcare and raising living costs. Economic Outlook: The AfDB projects South Sudan’s economy could grow 22% in 2026, citing improving oil exports and macro conditions, while warning the country’s oil dependence leaves it exposed to shocks and urging investment in agriculture, livestock, mining, tourism and renewable energy. Youth & Elections: The South Sudan National Youth Union is calling for political parties to reserve at least 20% of leadership roles for young people ahead of the December 2026 elections, arguing youth should be candidates and leaders, not just voters. Climate & Food: Farmers in Yei report major harvest losses tied to prolonged dry spells and delayed rains, with calls for agriculture training and support for better methods. Global Health Spillover: In the region, DRC reports Ebola cases crossing 3,200 with deaths rising to 1,405, and the outbreak is linked to population movement, insecurity, artisanal mining and cross-border travel involving South Sudan. Heritage & Tourism Potential: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape on the World Heritage List, with the move also highlighting how heritage can boost long-term tourism and conservation value.

Food Security: Uganda’s worst drought in decades is driving a hunger crisis, with Karamoja hit hardest as crops fail and families struggle; emergency food distribution has started but deaths from starvation are already reported, raising fears of a repeat of the 2022 disaster. Public Health & Trade: Uganda has declared itself Ebola-free after completing surveillance, but the outbreak is still surging in DR Congo with thousands of cases and deaths—keeping regional health and logistics under pressure. Heritage & Tourism: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites, including South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape (also placed on the Danger list), plus Mount Olympus and the D-Day landing beaches—good news for visibility, but a warning for protection. Energy & Investment: Bangladesh is exploring investment in South Sudan’s renewable power, electricity generation and dam projects, as the country’s electricity access remains very low. Policy & Mobility: The US will stop routine visa processing at 25 African posts (including Juba) from August 1, redirecting applicants to regional hubs. Security & Industry Risk: South Sudan’s elections debate continues alongside calls to strengthen peace implementation and unification of forces, a key factor for protecting livelihoods and investment.

UNESCO & Tourism/Conservation: UNESCO inscribed 25 new World Heritage sites at its Busan meeting, including South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape (also added to the World Heritage in Danger list) and emergency-protected sites like Lebanon’s Mount Amel Castles and Palestine’s Sebastia—raising stakes for wildlife protection, anti-poaching, and safer infrastructure planning. Energy & Investment: Bangladesh is exploring investment in South Sudan’s renewable power, electricity generation, and dam projects, aiming to expand access beyond generator and charcoal dependence. Telecom Costs: South Sudan’s mobile users face higher bills as MTN, Zain, and Digitel implement phase two tariff increases approved by the National Communication Authority. Elections & Economy: A new analysis argues South Sudan’s elections can’t fix insecurity and inflation alone, but they can unlock credible leadership needed for reforms and investor confidence. Health & Trade Disruption: Uganda declared itself Ebola-free while the DRC outbreak keeps worsening, with new guidance on how travelers from affected areas should be assessed—relevant for cross-border movement and business continuity. Climate Risk to Food: The AfDB warns a possible super El Niño could cost Africa $10–$20bn and trigger mass migration, with Sudan and South Sudan flagged among high-risk areas.

Energy Investment Push: Bangladesh is exploring investment in South Sudan’s renewable power, electricity generation and dam projects after talks in Juba with the Ministry of Energy and Dams, as the country still struggles with low electricity access. Telecom Costs Rise: MTN South Sudan, Zain South Sudan and Digitel have implemented the second phase of tariff increases approved by the National Communication Authority, raising prices for calls, data bundles and SMS. Climate Shock Risk: The AfDB warns a “super El Niño” could cut African GDP by 1–2% in hard-hit countries, costing $10bn–$20bn and worsening food and water stress—famine risks include Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia. Heritage, Conservation & Security: UNESCO added South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape to the World Heritage list, but also placed it on the “in danger” list over conflict, poaching, trafficking and possible extractive pressures. Ebola Response Strains: DRC Ebola cases hit 3,200 with 1,405 deaths as the outbreak spreads across provinces, while healthcare workers strike over unpaid pay threatens treatment and isolation capacity. Local Industry Skills & Trade: WCO and EU support rules-of-origin training for freight forwarders and customs stakeholders across East Africa to improve compliance and preferential tariff use.