AGP Executive Report

Trade and Logistics: South Sudan has broken ground on a cargo hub in Kenya’s Mai Mahiu Special Economic Zone. The 10-hectare site is intended to clear, store and consolidate goods moving from Mombasa, with rail links planned and more than 1.5 million tonnes of South Sudan-bound cargo potentially in scope. Energy and Utilities: JEDCO says customers must pay bills and service fees only at its Mauna finance office, warning against handing cash to staff. Telecommunications: MTN South Sudan and the communications regulator pledged to expand reliable mobile and data coverage, particularly in underserved communities. Agriculture: GIZ has supplied tractor-repair equipment to Yei’s Crop Training Centre, aiming to cut maintenance costs and improve timely farm services. Industry and Standards: South Sudan’s renovated national standards laboratory is expected to cut product-certification delays to one month, while officials prepare changes to mining laws after 14 years of implementation. Oil Investment: A proposed South African-backed refinery in Jonglei remains difficult to advance; its partners are assessing terrain and logistics before seismic work.

Trade and Logistics: South Sudan has broken ground on a cargo hub in Kenya’s Mai Mahiu Special Economic Zone. The 10-hectare facility will support customs clearance, storage and cargo consolidation, with rail shipments planned from Mombasa to Naivasha. Electricity Services: JEDCO says customers must pay bills and connection fees only at its Mauna finance office, warning against cash payments to staff. Telecommunications: MTN and the communications regulator pledged to work together to expand networks and improve service in underserved areas. Product Standards: A renovated national standards laboratory is expected to speed up local product testing and certification, reducing delays from sending samples abroad. Agriculture: GIZ has supplied tractor repair equipment to Yei’s Crop Training Centre, aiming to cut maintenance costs and support timely land preparation. Infrastructure and Mining: Rehabilitation has begun on the long-awaited Magwi–Palwar road, while the government is preparing to overhaul mining laws that have been in force for 14 years.

Telecoms: MTN South Sudan pledged to work with reappointed regulator chief Gieth Kon Mathiang to expand connectivity and improve services, especially in underserved areas. Separately, the Trade Ministry is working with MTN to resolve obstacles to reopening Mobile Money, a key service for businesses and customers. Product Standards: An upgraded national standards laboratory can now run more product tests locally, cutting certification delays that previously stretched to two or three months. Mining: The government is moving to overhaul mining laws after 14 years, with stakeholder validation planned. Agriculture and Roads: GIZ supplied Yei’s crop training centre with tools to maintain eight tractors, aiming to lower farmers’ repair costs and support production. Rehabilitation has also begun on the long-delayed Magwi–Palotaka–Palwar road, improving prospects for moving farm produce to market. Oil: South Africa’s state-owned energy company is preparing terrain reconnaissance for a proposed 60,000-barrel-a-day refinery in Pagak, but conflict, unexploded ordnance and difficult terrain remain major project hurdles. Trade: China has opened a tariff-free market to South Sudanese products, offering exporters a potential route to expand sales.

Oil Investment: South Africa’s state oil company is seeking contractors to map and assess terrain for a seismic survey in South Sudan’s Jonglei Basin, a step toward reviving a long-delayed deal that includes a proposed refinery in Pagak. Difficult terrain and security risks remain major hurdles. Digital Services: MTN South Sudan and the telecom regulator pledged to expand connectivity and improve service quality, while the Trade Ministry is working with MTN on restoring Mobile Money services to support business transactions. Agriculture: GIZ donated repair tools and equipment to Yei Crop Training Centre to service eight tractors, aiming to cut maintenance costs and help farmers prepare land on time. Mining: South Sudan is moving to overhaul mining laws after 14 years of implementation, with stakeholders set to validate proposed changes. Trade and Transport: China has opened a tariff-free market to South Sudanese products, while rehabilitation has begun on the Magwi–Palotaka–Palwar road, expected to ease farmers’ access to markets.

Agriculture: GIZ has supplied tractor repair equipment to Yei’s Crop Training Centre, helping service eight tractors locally and reduce farmers’ maintenance costs ahead of planting. Connectivity: MTN South Sudan and the regulator pledged to expand mobile and data coverage, while the Trade Ministry is working with MTN to reopen Mobile Money services—an important step for businesses and customers. Infrastructure: Rehabilitation has begun on the long-awaited Magwi–Palotaka–Palwar road, expected to improve farmers’ access to markets and ease movement of goods. Standards and Trade: An upgraded Juba laboratory is expected to cut product certification delays from two to three months to about one; South Sudan also joined regional food-safety talks in Kigali. Industry and Investment: The government is moving to overhaul mining laws after 14 years, as Juba courts petroleum investment. Business Compliance: The Revenue Authority has set October 15 as the deadline for businesses to file returns and settle outstanding taxes.

Telecoms: MTN South Sudan and the regulator pledged to expand reliable mobile and data coverage, while the government also discussed reopening Mobile Money services to support businesses and digital payments. Energy Investment: Juba is courting UAE investment in petroleum as South Sudan seeks oil investors, though the crude export route remains exposed to conflict across the border. Infrastructure: Work has begun to rehabilitate the long-neglected Magwi–Palwar road, improving farmers’ access to markets and easing the movement of goods. Standards and Trade: A renovated Juba laboratory is expected to cut product certification delays from two to three months to about one month, while South Sudan joined regional talks on food safety and trade standards. Mining: The government is moving to overhaul mining laws after 14 years, with proposed changes set for stakeholder review. Business Compliance: The Revenue Authority set October 15 as the deadline for tax filings and outstanding payments, including sales and excise taxes for manufacturers, telecoms and hospitality businesses.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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