AGP Executive Report

Energy Policy: South Sudan’s Economic Reform Committee recommends further fuel price cuts to ease pressure on consumers, while also pushing telecom operators to pay taxes in cash. Trade & Transport: South Sudan and Kenya agree to mobilise resources for the Juba–Torit–Nadapal highway, aiming to cut transport costs and improve access to the Port of Mombasa. Local Business Cashflow: Western Equatoria’s governor urges traders to stop flying large cash sums to Juba, warning it drains money from local markets; he recommends using money-transfer services instead. Road Works: Central Equatoria reports progress on the Lou–Referendum–Bilpam dual carriageway, with asphalt surfacing underway and delays linked to bitumen shipment issues. Digital Skills: A South Sudanese software engineer calls for AI lessons in the school curriculum so students can spot AI-generated content online. Health & Education: Fashoda County receives a new health facility and school under a World Bank-funded IOM project, improving access to basic services. Public Health Law: South Sudan steps up efforts to ratify the WHO tobacco control treaty, bringing stakeholders together in Juba. Regional Climate Risk: A Greater Horn forecast warns El Niño-linked drought and flooding risks could compound crises, raising pressure on food, water, and infrastructure.

EAC Trade & Investment Push: South Sudan was urged in Juba to speed up EAC commitments to become a regional hub for investment, production, manufacturing and value chains, with progress cited on customs reforms and the Nimule–Elegu One Stop Border Post. Roads & Construction: Central Equatoria says asphalt work is underway on the Lou–Referendum–Bilpam dual carriageway, with 1.5km surfaced so far and plans to extend toward a wider ring road, though bitumen delays from Iran are slowing logistics. Petroleum Reform Agenda: A new undersecretary of petroleum, Santino Ayuel Longar, is set to raise production, improve recovery from ageing fields, attract investment and push domestic refining to cut fuel imports. Agriculture Skills Upgrade: Upper Nile University and Premium Agro Consult signed an MoU to overhaul agriculture training toward practical, business-focused agribusiness skills, including digital farming and demonstration farms. Health & Education Delivery: Fashoda County received a new health facility and school in Gulbany and Nyigiir Bomas, funded by the World Bank via IOM, to expand access for children and communities. Tobacco Control Drive: South Sudan is moving to ratify the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, aiming for stronger laws and protection for children and young people. Local Market Pressure: Traders in Yei report high transport costs and currency swings still squeezing margins, even as some food prices ease. Digital & AI Skills: A South Sudanese software engineer called for AI basics in the school curriculum so learners can spot AI-generated content and verify information. Legal Sector Tech Focus: South Sudanese lawyers are attending a Pan African Lawyers Union conference in Cairo, where AI’s role in justice systems and governance is a key theme.

Roads & Urban Trade: Central Equatoria says the Lou–Referendum–Bilpam dual carriageway (5.6 km, with plans to extend to 11.3 km) is easing movement in western Juba, though bitumen shipment delays are slowing progress. Energy & Local Economy: Western Equatoria Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa urged traders to stop flying large cash amounts to Juba, saying it drains money from local markets and weakens business activity. Health & Education Infrastructure: Fashoda County received a new health facility and school in Gulbany and Nyigiir Bomas, delivered with IOM support and World Bank funding to boost access to basic services. Agri-Skills & Jobs: Upper Nile University is overhauling agriculture training with Premium Agro Consult, shifting toward practical, business-focused and digital farming skills for agribusiness entrepreneurship. Petroleum Reform Push: Undersecretary of Petroleum Santino Ayuel Longar is driving plans to raise production, improve recovery, attract investment, and expand domestic refining to cut fuel imports. Governance & Legal Tech: South Sudanese lawyers are in Cairo for the Pan African Lawyers Union conference, with sessions on AI in justice systems and AfCFTA legal frameworks. Public Health Policy: South Sudan is stepping up efforts to ratify the WHO tobacco control treaty (WHO FCTC) to strengthen laws protecting children and young people. Digital Skills: A South Sudanese software engineer calls for AI basics to be added to the national school curriculum so learners can spot AI-generated content. Regional Energy Competition: East Africa’s fuel hub race heats up as Kenya and Tanzania pursue major petroleum and refining projects, with Rwanda also eyeing stakes in the Lamu refinery.

AI & Education: A South Sudanese software engineer, Chol Daniel Deng, is urging the government to integrate AI basics into school curricula so learners can spot AI-made images and misinformation. Digital & Industry Skills: South Sudan’s ICT Minister Ateny Wek Ateny called for deeper China-Africa cooperation on AI, digital governance, and smart manufacturing after attending a China-Africa digital capacity-building conference in Hangzhou. Agriculture Jobs & Training: Upper Nile University is overhauling agriculture education with Premium Agro Consult, shifting to practical, business-focused training and digital farming to boost agribusiness and entrepreneurship. Tobacco Control: South Sudan is pushing to ratify the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, with a Juba stakeholder meeting aimed at stronger laws and child-focused prevention. Petroleum Reform: Dr. Santino Ayuel Longar is laying out a plan to raise oil production, improve recovery from ageing fields, attract investment, and expand domestic refining. Logistics & Borders: VP Taban Deng Gai says the Ilemi Triangle should be treated as a zone of discussion, not depicted as part of Kenya, as he spoke at a global logistics forum in Juba. Water & Health Pressure: WFP warns funding cuts could worsen hunger in South Sudan, while Kapoeta residents report a worsening water crisis.

Aviation & Health Security: The U.S. Homeland Security updated arrival rules, directing flights carrying people recently in DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan to land at Washington-Dulles for enhanced public health measures tied to the Ebola outbreak. Agribusiness & Jobs: Upper Nile University is overhauling agriculture training with Premium Agro Consult, shifting students toward practical, business-focused agribusiness and digital farming. Digital Development: South Sudan’s ICT minister Ateny Wek Ateny pushed for deeper China-Africa AI and digital governance cooperation, including smart manufacturing and AI training for developing nations. Logistics & Borders: VP Taban Deng Gai told delegates the Ilemi Triangle should be treated as a zone of discussion, not depicted as part of Kenya, raising concerns over maps used in regional planning. Water & Climate Readiness: IGAD’s early warning for Oct–Dec 2026 rains urges faster preparation for heavy rainfall impacts across the Greater Horn, with knock-on effects for farming, water, and infrastructure. Transport & Public Space: Juba public transport drivers at Jebel Market protested alleged allocation of bus-park land to private individuals, calling for urgent government intervention. Oil & Power Context: A wider regional energy-crisis story notes how shocks are already pushing countries like South Sudan toward electricity rationing in Juba.

Road Infrastructure Watch: South Sudan is ranked among Africa’s weaker road-network performers, with 90,200km of usable roadway coverage in 2026 data—highlighting the scale of the transport gap for industry and trade. Logistics & Trade Push: Vice President Taban Deng Gai admitted government failure to build enough roads and energy, urging East African support for the Juba–Nimule and Juba–Nadapal corridors and pointing to a PPP model for road tolls. Digital Development: ICT Minister Ateny Wek Ateny called for stronger China–Africa cooperation on AI, digital governance, and smart manufacturing, as South Sudan joins regional training and industry exchanges in Hangzhou. Oil & Energy Planning: South Sudan’s fuel and infrastructure needs sit inside wider East Africa energy rivalry, with regional refinery plans shifting toward Lamu and other hubs—raising stakes for supply chains into South Sudan. Local Enterprise & Services: Jettofly Travelling Agency was named South Sudan’s Leading Travel Agency 2026, signaling growth in Juba-based travel services and connectivity. Youth & Sports Facilities: Central Equatoria and the national government renewed plans for a national basketball arena after Bright Stars’ World Cup qualifier run—aimed at turning sports momentum into built infrastructure.

Digital & AI Cooperation: South Sudan’s ICT Minister Ateny Wek Ateny urged deeper China-Africa collaboration on AI, digital governance and emerging tech after attending a China-Africa digital capacity conference in Hangzhou. Border & Trade Logistics: VP Taban Deng Gai told delegates at the Global Logistics Convention in Juba that the Ilemi Triangle should be treated as a “zone of discussion,” rejecting maps that depict it as part of Kenya. Roads & Energy for Industry: Taban admitted government failures to build roads and energy infrastructure, calling for investment in the Juba-Nimule and Juba-Nadapal corridors under PPP models to unlock trade and movement. Oil & Refining Push: Reports say Rwanda is in early talks to take an equity stake in Dangote’s proposed $16bn Kenya refinery, with the project shifting toward Lamu and aimed at supplying fuel across the region. Ebola Preparedness: The US delivered an experimental Ebola antibody treatment to Uganda to strengthen readiness against possible cross-border spread from DRC. Agriculture Resilience: South Sudan’s agriculture ministry called for scaled, direct drought financing as overlapping droughts and floods keep disrupting crop and livestock production. Seminary Enterprise: A major South Sudan Catholic seminary is investing in agriculture and enterprise, including a milling machine expected to generate daily revenue to support formation and local communities.

Border & Trade: VP Taban Deng Gai told delegates in Juba that the contested Ilemi Triangle is “a place of discussion,” not part of Kenya, warning against map representations that treat the border area as Kenyan. Logistics & Roads: At the 7th Global Logistics Convention, he admitted South Sudan’s severe shortage of roads and energy, urging the East African Community to support the Juba–Nimule and Juba–Nadapal corridors and pushing for investor-led infrastructure under PPPs. Food Security: WFP warned it may suspend food assistance in South Sudan from 1 October if funding gaps aren’t closed, threatening support for about 650,000 refugees and nearly 200,000 IDPs. Water & Mining Communities: Eastern Equatoria civil society raised alarms over a water crisis in Lokorumor, a fast-growing gold-mining settlement in Kapoeta East, calling for emergency supplies, boreholes, sanitation, and health checks. Energy & Power Policy: South Sudan’s energy sector watchers will note a major U.S. move: Trump’s executive order targets foreign-produced bulk-power equipment, which could affect future grid and renewable projects. Agriculture & Enterprise: A South Sudan Catholic seminary says it’s investing in agriculture and enterprise, including a milling machine generating revenue to support formation and local communities.

South Sudan Logistics & Roads: VP Taban Deng Gai admitted the country’s severe shortage of roads and energy infrastructure, calling for East African support to upgrade key corridors like Juba–Nimule and Juba–Nadapal, and floated public-private partnerships where investors could build and operate road tolls. Food Security Funding: WFP warned it may suspend food assistance to about 650,000 refugees and nearly 200,000 internally displaced people in South Sudan from 1 October if new funding isn’t secured. Water & Mining Services: Eastern Equatoria civil society raised alarms over a water crisis in a fast-growing gold-mining settlement in Kapoeta East, urging emergency water supplies, boreholes, sanitation, and urgent health checks. Agriculture & Enterprise for Formation: A South Sudan Catholic seminary is investing in agriculture and enterprise to support seminarian welfare and generate sustainable revenue for local communities. Oil & Infrastructure Push: South Sudan’s broader push to raise oil output and build new refineries to cut fuel imports continues to shape the country’s industrial agenda. Regional Transport Ambition: A transport minister said South Sudan aims to become a regional logistics hub, while drivers in Jebel Market called for urgent action to protect public bus-park space from private allocation.

Oil & Fuel Security: South Sudan targets higher crude output, aiming for at least 200,000 barrels per day next year, while the Ministry of Petroleum also moves to build two new refineries (Unity and Upper Nile) to cut fuel imports and lower prices. Infrastructure & Logistics: VP Taban Deng admits the country’s road and energy gaps are holding back trade, backing investment in the Juba-Nimule and Juba-Nadapal corridors under public-private partnership models. Food & Humanitarian Funding: WFP warns it may suspend food assistance from 1 October if funding isn’t secured, threatening support for about 650,000 refugees and nearly 200,000 internally displaced people. Water & Mining Communities: Civil society in Kapoeta East calls for emergency water supplies and boreholes in a fast-growing gold-mining settlement after drought worsened shortages and raised disease risks. Agro-Industry & Resilience: The government urges global partners to scale up direct drought financing as overlapping droughts and floods keep disrupting crop and livestock production. Regional Energy Politics: East Africa’s refinery plans keep shifting, with the proposed Dangote-linked mega refinery now tied to Lamu and renewed regional rivalry over where energy infrastructure should sit. Transport Governance: Jebel Market bus drivers protest alleged privatization of public bus-park space, calling for urgent government intervention. Business & Finance (Regional): Old Mutual and Britam report strong insurance profits, pointing to improving underwriting and repricing strategies across East Africa.

South Sudan Oil & Fuel Security: The Ministry of Petroleum says crude output is rising to about 175,000 barrels per day and targets at least 200,000 bpd next year, using modern technology to offset ageing fields. Refining Push: Plans are underway to build two new refineries in Unity and Upper Nile states (60,000 bpd total) to cut fuel imports and lower prices, with sites including Tharjiath (Koch County) and Thiangrial (Melut). Roads for Trade: VP Taban Deng admits South Sudan’s severe shortage of roads and energy infrastructure, urging East African Community support for the Juba-Nimule and Juba-Nadapal corridors and promising investor-backed development under a public-private partnership model. Regional Logistics: South Sudan’s push to become a regional logistics hub is tied to the same infrastructure gap, highlighted at the Global Logistics Convention in Juba. Food Security Risk: WFP warns funding cuts could end food assistance for about 240,000 vulnerable refugees after September and reduce support for around 180,000 internally displaced people from October. EAC Education Accountability: East African education leaders call for an EAC education scorecard and implementation compact to turn policy commitments into measurable results. Agriculture Enterprise Angle: A South Sudan seminary is investing in agriculture and a milling machine to generate revenue for formation and local communities. Oil Market Watch: More Dar Blend barrels returned to Singapore and Malaysia’s marine fuel blending pools as China’s demand eased, affecting low-sulphur fuel pricing.

Roads & Logistics: South Sudan’s VP Taban Deng admitted the country’s severe shortage of roads and energy, urging East Africa to help develop the Juba-Nimule and Juba-Nadapal corridors, with government eyeing investor-led PPP road tolls. Transport Policy: The Transport Minister says South Sudan is building the legal and physical base to become a regional logistics hub, pointing to the Northern Corridor and LAPSSET corridor frameworks. Oil & Fuel Supply: The Ministry of Petroleum says crude output is rising to about 175,000 bpd and targets 200,000 bpd next year using modern production tech. It also plans two new refineries (60,000 bpd total) in Unity and Upper Nile to cut fuel imports. Digital Payments: Bank of South Sudan and the British ambassador discussed accelerating digital payments, IFMIS, and the National Payment System—while warning reforms must strengthen oversight, not just speed up transactions. Agri & Drought Resilience: Agriculture Minister Clement Juma Mbugoniwia called for more direct drought funding and early-warning systems using weather forecasts plus emergency support. Mining Water Crisis: Civil society warns of a severe water shortage in a gold-mining area of Kapoeta East, with residents traveling hours for unsafe water. Food Security: WFP warns funding cuts could end food assistance for about 240,000 vulnerable refugees and reduce support for 180,000 displaced people from October. Finance & Industry: Old Mutual Holdings reported a turnaround to KES 882m profit after tax, citing improved claims management and cost control—signals of how tighter discipline can revive service industries.

South Sudan Oil Push: The Ministry of Petroleum says crude output is rising to about 175,000 barrels per day and targets at least 200,000 bpd next year, using “modern technology” to offset ageing fields. Fuel Security Plan: Government is also moving to build two new refineries (Unity and Upper Nile) with a combined 60,000 bpd capacity to cut fuel imports and lower prices. Dar Blend Market Signal: More South Sudan Dar Blend barrels are returning to marine fuel blending pools in Singapore and Malaysia as China’s demand eases, tightening low-sulphur fuel supply. Digital Payments: Bank of South Sudan talks with the British ambassador highlight plans to accelerate digital payments, IFMIS rollout, and stronger oversight of public money. Logistics Hub Drive: Transport Minister Rizik Zakaria Hassan says South Sudan is preparing policy and transport bills to turn the country into a regional logistics hub, including progress on the LAPSSET corridor. Roads Under Strain: Roads and Bridges Minister Peter Lam Both blames overloaded East African trucks for damage to the Juba–Nimule road and says a weighbridge will control axle loads during reconstruction. Drought & Food Systems: Agriculture Minister Clement Juma Mbugoniwia calls for more direct drought funding and early-warning support using satellite and offline tools. Water Crisis in Mining Areas: Civil society warns of severe water shortages in Kapoeta East’s gold-mining settlement, urging emergency supplies and health checks. Ebola Preparedness: CAR, DRC, Uganda, Congo and South Sudan commit to cross-border coordination to stop Bundibugyo Ebola spread. Regional Energy Competition: East Africa’s refinery rivalry heats up again as countries position themselves around major oil projects and storage/refining hubs. Humanitarian Pressure: UN warns DRC Ebola response could run out of money within weeks, while Sudan’s refugee crisis continues to strain education, healthcare and protection systems in neighbouring states.

Oil & Shipping: More barrels of South Sudan’s Dar Blend are returning to marine fuel blending pools in Singapore and Malaysia as China’s refining demand eases, with about 1.7 million barrels arriving in August—pushing pressure on low-sulphur fuel markets. Digital Finance: A Bank of South Sudan meeting with the British ambassador put digital payments back in focus, but an Op-Ed warns the real test is whether reforms make public money easier to trace and harder to misuse. Transport & Trade: South Sudan’s Transport Minister says the country is building a policy push to become a regional logistics hub, linking the Northern Corridor and LAPSSET; Roads Minister Peter Lam Both also blamed overloaded East African trucks for damage to the Juba–Nimule road and says a weighbridge will control axle loads. Water & Mining: Civil society warns of a water crisis in Kapoeta East’s gold-mining settlement, where residents may travel hours for drinking water. Health Security: CAR, DRC, Uganda, Congo and South Sudan agreed to strengthen cross-border preparedness to stop Bundibugyo Ebola spread. Agriculture & Climate: Agriculture Minister Clement Juma Mbugoniwia urged more direct drought funding and highlighted early-warning digital agriculture using satellite data. Telecom/Fintech: MTN reported strong first-half growth, with Mobile Money transaction volumes and fintech revenue continuing to rise.

Drought Funding Push: South Sudan’s Agriculture Minister Clement Juma Mbugoniwia urged global leaders to increase direct drought funding for fragile, conflict-affected states, saying floods and prolonged drought have hit over 7 million people and calling for stronger early warning systems and better shared water management. Logistics Hub Plan: Transport Minister Rizik Zakaria Hassan told delegates in Juba that South Sudan is moving to become a regional logistics hub, unveiling a policy framework and five transport bills, and pushing progress on the Northern Corridor and the Lamu Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor. Roads, Trade and Overloaded Trucks: Roads and Bridges Minister Peter Lam Both warned that overloaded East African trucks are wrecking the Juba–Nimule trade corridor, saying a weighbridge in Nimule will control axle loads as reconstruction starts. Water Crisis in Mining Area: Civil society groups in Kapoeta East say drought and mining growth have triggered a severe safe-water shortage in Lokorumor, with residents reportedly traveling hours for water and facing disease risks. Regional Energy Deal Talk: Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame confirmed early discussions to buy a stake in Dangote’s planned Lamu refinery, adding to East Africa’s fast-growing competition for refinery and storage influence. Health Supply Storage Upgrade: UNDP and UNICEF inaugurated a Central Medical Store in Juba to cut costly private warehouse rentals and expand public storage for medical supplies. Telecom Growth Signal: MTN reported strong first-half 2026 growth, with service revenue up 17.5% driven by Ghana and Nigeria, plus continued expansion in mobile money.

Telecom & Fintech: MTN Group reported strong first-half 2026 growth, with service revenue up 17.5% and data revenue rising 29.2% in constant currency, while Mobile Money users and transaction values kept climbing—good news for connectivity and digital finance momentum across the region. Transport & Trade Infrastructure: South Sudan’s Roads and Bridges Minister Peter Lam Both blamed overloaded East African trucks for rapid damage to the Juba–Nimule corridor, saying a weighbridge in Nimule will help control axle loads during reconstruction. Water & Public Health in Mining Areas: Civil society warns of a worsening water crisis in Kapoeta East’s gold-mining settlement of Lokorumor, where residents reportedly travel hours for water and drought is pushing communities toward unsafe sources. Oil & Regional Industry Competition: East Africa’s refinery race heats up as Kenya and partners line up around Dangote’s Lamu project, with Rwanda confirming early talks for a stake—another signal of how regional energy deals could reshape supply chains. Humanitarian Pressure on Industry & Food: El Niño is expected to worsen hunger in Sudan and the wider region, adding strain to agriculture and logistics that South Sudan also depends on. Local Business & Markets: A proposal to modernize Juba’s Konyo-Konyo Market would add about 800 shopping spaces and upgrades to drainage, hygiene, and safety, though it’s still at planning stage.