AGP Executive Report

Transport & Trade: South Sudan’s Roads and Bridges Minister Peter Lam Both says the Juba–Nimule road is failing fast because overloaded East African trucks consolidate cargo at Nimule, pushing loads to 60–70 tonnes instead of the 45-tonne limit; a weighbridge is now installed in Nimule to control axle loads during reconstruction. Food Security: El Niño is worsening hunger across the Nile region, with Sudan’s war-driven food insecurity set to deepen as rainfall drops below normal in parts of East Africa, including South Sudan. Regional Energy & Industry: East Africa’s refinery plans keep sparking friction as Rwanda’s President Kagame confirms talks about taking a stake in Dangote’s planned Lamu refinery, adding to Kenya’s and others’ reported interest. Humanitarian Pressure: A Sudanese analyst in South Sudan warns refugee suffering is being intensified by aid cuts and says the crisis should be treated as a “war of aggression” linked to external backers. Health Systems: East African health leaders meeting in Addis Ababa urge stronger regional health systems and more local production of medicines to better handle outbreaks like Ebola. Local Markets & Services: A proposal to modernize Juba’s Konyo-Konyo Market would add about 800 shopping spaces and improve drainage, waste management, and safety, though no timeline or cost is set.

Transport & Trade Bottleneck: A South Sudan policy analyst says the crumbling 192-kilometer Juba–Nimule road has stretched travel from 3 hours to 7–8, choking imports (including about 90% of food and supplies via Mombasa) and draining government revenue. Infrastructure & Markets: A developer proposes to modernize Juba’s Konyo-Konyo Market into an 800-space commercial center, aiming to cut congestion and improve drainage, hygiene, and fire safety. Water & Industry Services: Egypt-financed SOMBA solar groundwater station was commissioned at the University of Juba to improve safe drinking water access for tens of thousands. Energy & Local Business Protection: The National Youth Union chairperson warns the government to protect young entrepreneurs after alleged threats to a local businessman producing electricity poles. Regional Health & Preparedness: WHO updates temporary Ebola guidance for the DRC’s Bundibugyo virus outbreak, adding focus on surveillance, care, and community engagement. Regional Integration: Northern Corridor Integration Projects still face financing and delivery hurdles despite efforts to deepen trade links across the region. Bilateral Deals: South Sudan’s parliament approved a General Cooperation Agreement with Saudi Arabia, targeting agriculture, education, mining, and infrastructure. Youth & Skills Pipeline: CUoSS Yambio campus holds its third graduation, with 46 students completing studies in education, economics, and business.

Northern Corridor Trade: Northern Corridor Integration Projects are still stuck on financing and delivery hurdles despite efforts to deepen Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan trade links. Roads & Logistics: A crumbling 192-km Juba–Nimule highway is turning a 3-hour trip into 7–8 hours, choking freight and draining government revenue. Water & Infrastructure: Egypt-backed solar groundwater station SOMBA was commissioned at the University of Juba, aiming to improve safe drinking water access for tens of thousands. Market Modernization: A developer proposes upgrading Juba’s Konyo-Konyo Market into a modern commercial hub with about 800 shopping spaces, plus offices and services. Youth & Local Industry: The National Youth Union chairperson demands protection for young South Sudanese entrepreneurs after claims of intimidation tied to locally made electricity poles. Health Systems: South Sudan’s HIV/AIDS Commission deputy chief urges partners to sustain health-sector investments, highlighting the handover of a new Gombo medical store for dry commodities. Regional Health: East African leaders call for stronger regional health systems and more local medicine production as Ebola pressures continue across the region. Food Prices: Drought is pushing up Kenya’s maize and beans prices, tightening supplies and household food security.

Market Modernization: A developer, T Blackstone Investment Group, has proposed upgrading Juba’s Konyo-Konyo Market into a modern commercial center with about 800 shopping spaces, plus offices and amenities—aimed at easing congestion, waste, drainage and hygiene issues, though no cost or construction timeline is set. Youth & Enterprise: Inkomoko South Sudan awarded certificates to 1,225 entrepreneurs after a six-month training push for women- and youth-led businesses, supported by the Mastercard Foundation and the Swiss Government. Transport & Trade Pressure: A policy analyst warns the crumbling 192km Juba–Nimule road is turning a 3-hour trip into 7–8 hours, choking freight and commuters and draining government revenue. Oilfield Flood Risk: A report highlights how toxic floodplains and older oil installations are putting displaced families at risk, including communities around Rotriak in Unity’s oil area. Health Systems & Supply Chains: South Sudan’s HIV/AIDS Commission deputy chief urged partners to keep supporting the Ministry of Health as UNDP/UNICEF (with Global Fund financing) inaugurate the Gombo Central Medical Store for dry commodities. Regional Dealmaking: Parliament approved South Sudan–Saudi Arabia cooperation, targeting agriculture, education, mining and infrastructure.

Food Security: Drought in Kenya is pushing up prices of maize and beans, tightening supplies and raising household food worries across the region. South Sudan–Saudi Deal: South Sudan’s parliament has approved a General Cooperation Agreement with Saudi Arabia, paving the way for joint work in agriculture, education, mining and infrastructure. Youth & Local Industry Protection: South Sudan’s National Youth Union is calling for stronger government protection for young entrepreneurs after claims of intimidation by foreign firms, including threats tied to locally made electricity poles. Entrepreneurship Training: Inkomoko South Sudan awarded certificates to 1,225 entrepreneurs after a six-month business training push for women- and youth-led enterprises, supported by the Mastercard Foundation and the Swiss Government. Aviation & Connectivity: Juba International Airport has expanded aircraft parking with a new apron to boost operations and support UNMISS engineering work. Inclusion in Sports: South Sudan Blind Football has been named a finalist for a global inclusion award in Madrid on September 15. Health Supply Chain: The South Sudan HIV/AIDS Commission urged partners to keep supporting the Ministry of Health after the inauguration of the Gombo Central Medical Store for dry commodities. Regional Energy & Trade: Dangote’s planned Lamu refinery is drawing East African interest with an offered 30% regional equity stake, potentially unlocking about $1.5bn in investment. DRC Ebola Watch: The DRC Ebola outbreak remains a major emergency as cases surge, with new vaccine doses and frontline support efforts continuing.

Youth & Local Business Protection: South Sudan’s National Youth Union chair Taban Paride urged government to protect young entrepreneurs from foreign intimidation after allegations tied to a businessman manufacturing eco-friendly paper bags and installing locally made electricity poles. Entrepreneurship Training: Inkomoko South Sudan awarded certificates to 1,225 women- and youth-led entrepreneurs after a six-month business training supported by the Mastercard Foundation and Swiss Government, covering management, investment readiness, records, and marketing. Health Supply & Systems: The South Sudan HIV/AIDS Commission deputy chief Dr. Achol Yom called on partners to keep supporting the Ministry of Health after UNDP/UNICEF/Global Fund-backed upgrades to the Gombo Central Medical Store for dry commodities. Ebola Response Pressure (DRC): As DRC’s Ebola outbreak hits new highs, WHO says it remains a public health emergency; MSF warns donor funding is far behind needs while frontline workers report unpaid wages. Regional Energy & Industry: Tanzania inaugurated the $2.9B Julius Nyerere dam and hydropower project built by an Egyptian consortium, boosting power and flood control. Oil Refining Investment (East Africa): Aliko Dangote’s group offered East African countries a 30% equity stake in a planned Lamu refinery, with Kenya considering a 10% share worth about $500m. Aviation Infrastructure (South Sudan): Juba International Airport expanded aircraft parking with a new apron to increase capacity and support ongoing UNMISS engineering works.

South Sudan Business Skills: Inkomoko South Sudan awarded certificates to 1,225 entrepreneurs after a six-month training push for women- and youth-led enterprises, backed by the Mastercard Foundation and the Swiss Government, with skills spanning business management, investment readiness, record keeping, and marketing. Aviation & Infrastructure: South Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authority took delivery of a new aircraft apron at Juba International Airport to expand parking capacity and support airport operations, including security support for UNMISS engineering work. Local Governance & Markets: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil wrapped a 12-day tour, commissioning schools and seed banks, opening a women’s association centre, inspecting hospitals and bridges, and backing upgrades to health facilities and the Central Market for women entrepreneurs. Inclusion in Sports: South Sudan Blind Football was named among the three finalists for the Eli Wolff Football Without Limits Award, with the ceremony set for Madrid on September 15. Regional Energy & Industry: Dangote’s planned Lamu refinery deal is gaining momentum, with East African states offered a combined 30% equity stake (Kenya 10%), while Tanzania inaugurated the $2.9B Julius Nyerere hydropower project built by an Egyptian consortium.

Health Supply Chain: South Sudan’s HIV/AIDS Commission deputy chair Dr. Achol Yom urged international partners to keep backing the Ministry of Health, pointing to the UNDP/UNICEF-built Gombo Central Medical Store (dry commodities extension) funded through the Global Fund. Entrepreneurship & Jobs: Inkomoko South Sudan awarded certificates to 1,225 women- and youth-led entrepreneurs after a six-month business training supported by the Mastercard Foundation and Swiss Government. Aviation & Infrastructure: Juba International Airport expanded aircraft parking with a new apron handed over by UNMISS to the Civil Aviation Authority to boost capacity and support airport works. Telecom Costs: South Sudan telecoms raised call and data tariffs in the final NCA phase, citing inflation and currency pressures. Energy & Power: Nimule electrification launched, with 400 customers connected as the project signals new growth momentum. Mining & Security: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil vowed to crack down on unlicensed artisanal miners and armed groups ahead of December elections. Regional Industry Watch: Dangote’s planned Lamu refinery in Kenya is moving toward a September start, with East African countries offered equity stakes. Global Health Spillover: DRC’s Ebola response remains under strain as cases surge, with frontline workers reporting unpaid wages and aid groups pushing for more support.

Entrepreneurship & Skills: In Juba, Inkomoko South Sudan awarded certificates to 1,225 entrepreneurs after a six-month business training push for women- and youth-led enterprises, backed by the Mastercard Foundation and the Swiss Government. Aviation & Infrastructure: South Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authority took delivery of a new apron at Juba International Airport to expand aircraft parking and support UNMISS engineering work, aiming to meet international standards. Telecom Costs: South Sudan telecom operators raised call and data tariffs in the third and final phase of an NCA adjustment, citing inflation and currency pressures—hitting business and everyday connectivity. Mining & Compliance: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony said authorities will crack down on unlicensed artisanal miners and armed groups outside the peace process, urging registration and licensing. Airport Expansion: Juba Airport’s new apron also boosts security support for ongoing airport infrastructure projects. Public Health & Travel: DRC’s Ebola outbreak remains a global emergency as cases surge past 5,000; the U.S. also issued new travel restrictions affecting anyone recently in DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. Inclusion in Sport: South Sudan Blind Football was named a finalist for the Eli Wolff Football Without Limits Award in Madrid on Sept 15. Energy & Regional Industry: Dangote’s planned Lamu refinery deal is moving toward a September groundbreaking, with Kenya offered a 10% stake and regional partners invited into a combined 30% share.

South Sudan Elections & Sovereignty: South Sudan’s presidency and President Salva Kiir pushed back against external pressure on the 2018 peace deal and the run-up to the Dec 22, 2026 elections, saying political decisions must stay with South Sudanese institutions and citizens. Telecom Costs: South Sudan telecoms raised call and data tariffs in the third and final phase of the NCA’s tariff exchange-rate adjustment, citing inflation and currency pressures—another hit for businesses and households. Peace & Local Security: Apuk Giir and Marial Wau communities in Warrap and Western Bahr el Ghazal presented a joint peace agenda to governors, urging action on arrests, recovery of looted cattle/property, and security arrangements around Manyang. Mining Crackdown: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil said authorities will curb unlicensed artisanal mining and armed groups outside the peace process, while Northern Bahr el Ghazal arrested two illegal loggers and seized cutting machines. Constitution Drafting: The National Constitutional Review Commission said public consultations will feed directly into the first draft permanent constitution. Regional Industry Link: Kenya’s oil marketers shipped condemned petrol to DRC and South Sudan, spotlighting fuel supply risks across the region. Ebola & Travel: New guidance tightened U.S. entry rules for travelers linked to DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan amid the worsening Ebola outbreak.

South Sudan Politics: President Salva Kiir pushes back on external pressure, saying elections and transition decisions must stay with South Sudanese institutions and citizens as the country heads toward the Dec 22, 2026 vote. Security & Mining: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil vows to curb illegal artisanal mining and armed groups outside the peace process, urging miners to register and get licences. Constitution-Making: The National Constitutional Review Commission says public consultations will feed directly into South Sudan’s first draft permanent constitution, with civic input led by citizens before drafting. Agriculture & Jobs: A national call urges South Sudan to treat agriculture as a priority, backed by seeds, tools, fertiliser, irrigation, roads, and affordable loans to cut food shortages and create youth and women jobs. Ebola & Travel: New U.S. travel restrictions warn that anyone recently in DRC can’t board flights to the U.S., and Uganda/South Sudan travellers must use designated airports—linked to the ongoing Ebola situation. Regional Trade: Uganda’s export flows shift as Kenya drops out of top destinations, with DRC, South Sudan and Rwanda absorbing more volumes amid non-tariff barriers. Football: South Sudan Football Federation appoints Esther Kide Kute (“Peace”) as senior men’s national team analyst, bringing club and women’s team experience. Nile Water & Power: Ethiopia reiterates it needs no permission to develop Nile water resources and continues hydropower plans, while Egypt warns against additional Nile dams. Ebola in Congo’s Mines: Reports highlight how mobile artisanal gold miners in eastern Congo complicate Ebola monitoring and prevention. Disability Rights: A South Sudan disability activist condemns Uganda Airlines after passengers with disabilities were forced off a Juba–Entebbe flight.

Nile Water Politics: Egypt has warned Nile Basin countries not to build additional dams on the Nile, saying Cairo will not allow projects that threaten water security and insists any deal must be legally binding—renewing pressure in the GERD dispute. Regional Security & Trade: Ugandan truckers say South Sudan’s army has seized commercial vehicles in Bor, disrupting cargo movement and raising costs and safety fears for cross-border logistics. Energy & Fuel Flows: Japan’s oil import bill hit an all-time high in July as higher crude prices pushed up costs, while South Sudan-linked fuel movements remain in the spotlight after Kenya’s condemned petrol shipments were sent to DRC and South Sudan. Constitution & Governance: South Sudan’s National Constitutional Review Commission says public consultation inputs will form the basis of the first draft permanent constitution, with civic education underway in Juba. Investment & Partnerships: The TNLA ratified South Sudan–Saudi Arabia cooperation, clearing the way for sector ministries to pursue investments in areas including agriculture and mining. Agribusiness & Markets: A hosted buyer programme is connecting global buyers with African producers, highlighting export demand for value-added agricultural goods and natural ingredients. Climate Outlook for South Sudan: ICPAC forecasts a potentially drier August–September before wetter conditions later in 2026, bringing both crop/pasture relief and flood risk. Public Health Watch: WHO says the DRC Ebola outbreak remains far from under control and is spreading faster than previous epidemics, with risks of wider regional spread. Aviation & Rights: A South Sudan disability rights activist condemned Uganda Airlines after passengers with disabilities were forced off a Juba–Entebbe flight, calling it discriminatory and a breach of rights.

Constitution-Making: South Sudan’s National Constitutional Review Commission says public views gathered through civic education and consultations in Juba will directly shape the first draft permanent constitution. Bilateral Deals: The Transitional National Legislative Assembly ratified the South Sudan–Saudi Arabia General Cooperation Agreement, clearing the way for sector ministries to pursue investments in agriculture, education and mining. Telecom Costs: South Sudan’s mobile operators (MTN, Zain and Digitel) raised call and data tariffs in the final phase of the NCA tariff exchange rate adjustment, effective Aug 17, citing inflation and weak access to foreign currency. Energy Supply: The Energy Minister says Juba is on track to receive electricity imports from Uganda’s Karuma hydropower via Nimule and a new Nesitu hub by late 2026 or early 2027. Fuel Prices: A call is renewed for stronger efforts to normalize fuel prices through stable supply, better pricing transparency and tighter oversight of distribution. Transport Disruption: Ugandan truckers in South Sudan accuse the army of seizing commercial vehicles in Bor, raising safety and business risks. Food Security Weather: ICPAC forecasts a drier Aug–Sep with later rainfall relief in parts of the country, but warns of possible flooding risks. Regional Health Shock: WHO warns DRC’s Ebola outbreak is far from under control and spreading fast, with mining and population movement complicating response.

Ebola Response: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is still a public health emergency of international concern, warning it’s “far from being under control” as cases pass 5,000 and spread across new areas, with insecurity and movement along roads, rivers and mining routes accelerating transmission. Mining & Health Access: In eastern Congo’s Ituri, artisanal gold miners—often hard to monitor and constantly on the move—are complicating containment efforts, raising risks for nearby communities and cross-border health planning. South Sudan Weather & Food Systems: IGAD’s ICPAC forecasts a generally drier August–September for South Sudan, with later October–December rains potentially bringing both crop and pasture relief and higher flood and waterlogging risk. Telecom Costs: South Sudan’s mobile operators (Digitel, MTN, Zain) have implemented the third phase of the NCA tariff exchange rate adjustment, increasing call and data bundle prices from August 17. Power for Growth: South Sudan says transmission works are advancing to bring Uganda’s Karuma hydropower through Nimule into Juba, with a Nesitu hub already built to distribute electricity to states. Transport Pressure: Kenyan truckers warn they may abandon key routes to DRC and South Sudan due to insecurity, extortion and harassment, threatening regional cargo flows and fuel trade. Insurance for Consumers: Amanah Insurance in Juba is rolling out surplus sharing with eligible policyholders, aiming to deepen trust while expanding products like medical, motor, travel and goods-in-transit coverage.

Energy & Infrastructure: South Sudan says it’s on track to import electricity from Uganda’s Karuma hydropower via Nimule into Juba, with a Nesitu distribution hub already built and more state supply expected before year-end or early next year. Telecom Costs: Mobile network operators MTN, Zain and Digitel raised call and data prices in the third and final NCA tariff exchange rate adjustment phase, effective midnight Aug 17, citing inflation, pound depreciation and limited foreign currency. Food Prices & Trade: Juba shoppers and traders at Kubri Haboba Market report rising prices and fewer customers, blaming exchange-rate pressure, taxes and high transport costs on the Juba–Nimule corridor. Insurance & Consumer Value: Amanah Insurance in Juba held a surplus-sharing event, promising to share part of its annual surplus with eligible policyholders as it expands medical, motor, travel and other covers. Public Health: WHO warns DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is “far from being under control,” with insecurity, displacement and mining-route movement driving unprecedented spread; deaths have surpassed 2,300. Business & Services: Aleph Hospitality appointed Rob Kucera as Regional VP for East & South Africa to oversee 25+ hotels across nine countries.

Energy & Border Trade: Nimule’s electrification project was officially launched, connecting 400+ customers and aiming to boost services and business activity in the border town, with power also set to support digital systems like e-tax and electronic payments. Infrastructure & Logistics: Port of Mombasa received MT Nord Harmony with about 20,900 tonnes of V-Power fuel for Kenya and transit markets, underscoring the region’s growing energy gateway role. Regional Trade Facilitation: Kenya hosted a validation workshop for the Horn of Africa Initiative Trade Facilitation Roadmap 2026–2031, covering Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan to cut border frictions and improve corridor governance. Market Pressures in South Sudan: Juba traders and shoppers at Kubri Haboba Market report rising prices driven by exchange rate pressures, taxation and transport costs, calling for stronger price monitoring along the Juba–Nimule corridor. Digital Finance Reform: South Sudan’s central bank is pushing the National Payment System Bill to move the country from cash to automated, secure digital payments. Hospitality Jobs & Growth: Aleph Hospitality appointed Rob Kucera as Regional VP for East & South Africa to oversee 25+ hotels across nine countries. Public Health Risk: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak hit record-high deaths and a 46% fatality rate, with UN partners on high alert to prevent spread to neighbors including South Sudan.