AGP Executive Report

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.

UNESCO & Conservation: South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape was inscribed as the country’s first World Heritage Site, protecting a vast 11-million-hectare migration of over six million antelope—but it was also placed on the World Heritage in Danger over armed conflict, commercial poaching, infrastructure plans, and weak protection. Telecom Costs: South Sudan’s MTN, Zain, and Digitel raised prices again after the National Communication Authority approved a second phase of tariff exchange-rate adjustment, pushing up voice, data, SMS and other bundles from midnight 26 July. Elections & Civic Education: VP Dr. James Wani Igga urged women to take a leading role in the December 22, 2026 elections as the civic and voter education campaign kicks off in Juba. Food Security Pressure: Returnees in Aweil North say worsening shortages are forcing families to survive on wild fruits and edible leaves, with rising stomach illnesses amid drought. Regional Health Watch: Ebola in DR Congo hit 3,200 confirmed cases with 1,405 deaths as transmission continues in conflict-affected areas, with response capacity under strain. Climate Risk for Industry & Agriculture: The AfDB warns a “super” El Niño could cost Africa $10–$20 billion and trigger mass displacement, threatening food, water, infrastructure and public finances.

Ebola Response: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 3,200 cases and 1,400 deaths, with infections spreading across five provinces and transmission fueled by insecurity, artisanal mining, and cross-border movement near South Sudan and Uganda. Public Health Capacity: Health authorities say contact tracing is slipping and labs have faced testing-kit shortages, raising pressure on regional preparedness and logistics. Trade & Compliance: The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme is training freight forwarders and building a pool of origin experts across the EAC to improve preferential tariff use and customs compliance. UNESCO & Tourism Assets: UNESCO added new World Heritage sites and placed Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape in South Sudan on the World Heritage in Danger list, citing threats like poaching, trafficking, development pressure, and limited capacity. Fuel Market Reform: South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum lifted restrictions on G2G fuel imports, allowing all qualified licensed importers to supply petroleum products while a policy review continues. Local Mining Governance: Juba County established a Mining Department to register operators, enforce mining laws, and push more transparent, safer extraction. Infrastructure Protection: Eastern Equatoria Governor Lobong ordered an immediate halt to illegal sand mining under Katiko Bridge to protect the road link between Torit, Kapoeta, and Juba. Skills for Jobs: In Abyei, over 600 women and youth graduated from vocational training in tailoring/handicrafts and mechanical repair, aiming at self-reliance and local employment.

Ebola Response Strains: DRC and Africa CDC say Ebola contact tracing has fallen to 56.5% and WHO labs in South and North Kivu have run out of testing kits, with the outbreak spreading and even routine patient escapes undermining containment. UNESCO Heritage Under Threat: UNESCO added six new sites to the World Heritage list and placed three—South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, plus Lebanon’s Mount Amel Castles and Palestine’s Sebastia—on the World Heritage in Danger list, citing conflict, climate pressure, poaching and weak capacity. Fuel Market Opens Up: South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum lifted restrictions on G2G fuel imports, allowing all qualified licensed importers to resume supplying petroleum products while a government review continues. Mining Governance Push: Juba County created a Mining Department to register companies, enforce mining laws, and protect the environment and security at sites—amid past violence affecting gold mining in areas like the Luri Basin. Infrastructure Crackdown: Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong ordered an immediate halt to illegal sand extraction under Katiko Bridge, warning it weakens the bridge and will be prosecuted. Trade Corridor Security: Kenya and South Sudan agreed a joint framework to address harassment and extortion of truck drivers along the Juba–Nimule highway, a key route for food, fuel and construction goods. Skills for Jobs in Abyei: Over 600 women and youth graduated from vocational training in Abyei, including tailoring/handicrafts and mechanical engineering/vehicle repair, aimed at boosting livelihoods.

Civil Registry & Travel Docs: South Sudan’s Directorate of Civil Registry and Immigration says it has received 37,500 new passport booklets, restoring availability of regular, diplomatic, official, special and business passports and extending issuance stocks to at least December 2026. Fuel Market Reform: The Ministry of Petroleum has lifted restrictions on G2G fuel imports, allowing all qualified licensed importers to resume loading, transporting, importing and supplying petroleum products while a government review continues. Mining Governance: Juba County has set up a Mining Department to register operators, enforce mining laws, improve transparency and protect the environment and security at mining sites—amid concerns over violence around gold and other minerals. Infrastructure Protection: Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong orders an immediate halt to illegal sand extraction under Katiko Bridge, warning it weakens the bridge foundation and threatens public safety. Local Skills & Jobs: Abyei Special Administrative Area reports 600+ graduates from vocational training—tailoring/handicrafts for women and mechanical engineering/vehicle repair for youth—aimed at self-reliance. Trade & Transport Security: Kenya says it and South Sudan agreed a joint framework to address harassment and extortion of truck drivers and traders on the Juba-Nimule corridor. Regional Industry & Health Supply: A push across East Africa highlights Kenya’s role as a healthcare distribution hub, with demand rising for medical supplies, diagnostics and local manufacturing. Food Security Pressure: While not South Sudan-specific, AfDB climate experts warn a “super” El Niño could hit African economies hard, and hunger outlooks elsewhere underline how quickly food systems can deteriorate.