AGP Executive Report

Oil & Industry (South Sudan): President Salva Kiir appointed Awow Daniel Chuang as Caretaker National Minister of Petroleum, tasking him with stronger regulation and coordination as South Sudan seeks new investment for exploration and redevelopment. Standards & Trade: South Sudan’s National Bureau of Standards expanded its ISO engagement in Paris, aiming to strengthen quality assurance and better integrate into regional and international markets. Security & Community Safety (Yei): A former youth leader in Yei River County says community leaders and rights groups are staying silent as reports of murder, robbery, and rape continue, calling for clearer accountability and action. Regional Energy (Lamu refinery): East African leaders backed the $16bn Dangote refinery in Lamu, Kenya—700,000 bpd with a 40-month delivery target—positioned to boost regional energy security and industrial jobs, while South Sudan’s ambassador urged Kenya to cut costly customs barriers for South Sudanese traders. Shipping & Logistics (Mombasa): HMM plans a new Mombasa–India container service, starting next month, as ports push to deepen trade links.

Dangote Refinery Kickoff (Lamu, Kenya): Regional leaders including Kenya’s William Ruto and Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote broke ground on the $16bn, 700,000-bpd East Africa Petroleum Refinery in Lamu, targeting completion in 40 months and linking the project to the LAPSSET corridor, with claims of about 60,000 jobs and major downstream industries. South Sudan Energy Link: South Sudan’s caretaker petroleum minister joined the Lamu ceremony, framing the refinery as a way for landlocked South Sudan to expand market access through improved regional transport and refined-fuel supply. Local Content & Contracts: Reports say engineering and technology firms are already landing major roles in the build, while Dangote also promises training and local hiring in Lamu. Land & Court Tensions: The project faces protests and lawsuits over displacement and compensation, with courts ordering a status quo in parts of the land dispute. Standards & Digital Security (Juba/Paris): South Sudan’s standards bureau engaged at the ISO General Assembly in Paris, while South Sudan’s telecom regulator wrapped up a regional cybersecurity working group in Juba, agreeing on faster cyber response and safer digital financial services. Media Skills (South Sudan): Female journalists urged UJOSS and partners to move beyond certificates by offering real mentorship and job opportunities. Public Health (Cholera): WHO reports cholera deaths rose 30% in 2025, with South Sudan among the heavily affected countries.

Dangote Lamu Refinery Push: Aliko Dangote and Kenya’s William Ruto broke ground on a $16bn, 700,000-bpd East Africa Petroleum Refinery in Lamu, targeting completion in 40 months and promising major jobs, power generation, and an industrial ecosystem along the LAPSSET corridor. Local Industry Contracts: Early winners include India’s Engineers India Limited and Honeywell, with large engineering and process-technology deals tied to the project’s fast-track build. Politics, Timelines, and Accountability: Kalonzo Musyoka backed the investment but demanded transparency and due process, while Ruto told Dangote to stick to the 40-month deadline—Kenyans are watching. Land and Court Battles: Residents and activists continue legal challenges over displacement and compensation, with court orders and protests reported ahead of construction. Regional Energy Linkages: Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed said the refinery boosts energy security and trade options, and leaders framed it as a step toward deeper East African integration. South Sudan Angle: WHO reports cholera deaths rose sharply in 2025, with South Sudan among the hardest-hit countries—highlighting the need for stronger water, sanitation, and fast treatment. South Sudan Media Capacity: UJOSS urged female journalists to become trainers and mentors, supported by Norwegian People’s Aid, to grow the next generation of media professionals. China–South Sudan Support: China reaffirmed backing for South Sudan’s peace, stability, and development in Juba.

East Africa Energy Boom: Kenya broke ground on the Sh2.2 trillion (about $16bn) Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery in Lamu, targeting up to 700,000 barrels per day and regional fuel supply, with multiple heads of state expected to attend and land-compensation court challenges still in play. Regional Power Integration: Uganda and South Sudan moved closer to electricity network integration with a technical launch of the SUPIP 400kV interconnection project backed by the AfDB, aimed at boosting cross-border trade and reliability. Public Health Pressure: WHO reports global cholera deaths jumped 30% in 2025 to 7,870, with South Sudan among the countries driving most of the burden, warning underreporting may hide the true scale. South Sudan Development Ties: China reaffirmed strong support for South Sudan’s peace, stability and development, highlighting cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, infrastructure and energy. Banking Sector Update: The Bank of South Sudan bid farewell to 11 veteran staff retiring at 65, including senior finance and markets officials. Media Capacity: UJOSS urged female journalists to step up as trainers and mentors to build the next generation of media professionals.

Energy & Power Trade: Uganda and South Sudan moved closer to electricity integration after a technical launch of the 400kV SUPIP interconnection, building about 299km of transmission lines and new substations to link South Sudan to the Eastern Africa Power Pool. Public Health: WHO reports cholera deaths jumped 30% in 2025 to 7,870, with Nigeria, DR Congo, South Sudan, Sudan and others accounting for around 90% of reported cases and deaths—pushing calls for safer water, sanitation, hygiene, vaccination and faster care. Banking & Jobs: Bank of South Sudan honoured 11 veteran staff retiring at 65, including senior finance and payments officials, praising their role in building the central bank’s headquarters. Oil & Industry (Regional): Kenya says it could increase its stake in Aliko Dangote’s Lamu refinery beyond 10% if other East African partners don’t take up options, as the project targets 700,000 barrels per day. Legal & Land Rights: In Lamu, a court ordered the “status quo” on disputed land to be maintained until Oct 14 as 133 Chandavai residents challenge the refinery’s land takeover and lack of resettlement plans. Bilateral Cooperation: China and South Sudan highlighted expanding cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, infrastructure, energy, education and health at a PRC anniversary reception in Juba. Health Travel Rules: Canada extended Ebola-related entry and document suspensions affecting travellers and residents linked to DRC, Uganda and South Sudan until Nov 27, 2026.

Energy & Infrastructure: A $254m Uganda–South Sudan 400kV power line (SUPIP) is set to expand cross-border electricity trade, cutting reliance on costly diesel and plugging South Sudan into the Eastern Africa Power Pool. Oil & Industry: Kenya’s planned $16bn Dangote East Africa refinery in Lamu is moving toward groundbreaking, but a Malindi court ordered a “status quo” on disputed land until Oct 14 after 133 Chandavai residents sued over alleged forced displacement and lack of resettlement/compensation. Ports & Logistics: Heavy construction materials have already arrived at Lamu Port for the refinery, underscoring how Lamu Port and the LAPSSET corridor are being positioned as an industrial gateway for regional fuel supply. Local Business & Trade: AfroQuality opened a flagship store in Accra to help African brands reach new markets via a multi-country retail and distribution network. Agriculture & Jobs: In Yei River County, young farmers are reporting promising rice and other crop results, while other farmers urge more practical support like tractors, irrigation, storage, and affordable financing to fight food insecurity. Governance & Roads: KeNHA has given roadside occupants 30 days to clear illegal structures from road reserves along major routes, including the Maili Tisa–Kitalo road linking Kenya to South Sudan. Diplomacy for Stability: Japan’s newly arrived ambassador-designate in Juba pledged deeper cooperation, citing past support for infrastructure and vocational training.

Energy Infrastructure: A $254m Uganda–South Sudan 400kV power line (SUPIP) is set to link Olwiyo to Juba/Gumbo, opening cross-border electricity trade and reducing reliance on costly diesel generation. Oil & Industry (Kenya–Lamu): Kenya’s Port of Lamu received heavy drilling and refinery construction equipment for the Dangote East Africa Refinery ahead of a Sept 30 groundbreaking, while President William Ruto says the project will be “bigger” and fast-tracked. Land & Community Rights: Over 130 residents in Lamu’s Chandavai area won a court order to keep the status quo on disputed ancestral land as they challenge displacement tied to refinery and LAPSSET corridor works. Agriculture & Jobs (South Sudan): A Yei graduate is reporting promising rice results and urges youth to invest in farming, while Yei farmers call for better security, roads, storage, irrigation and affordable financing to cut food insecurity. Health & Services (South Sudan): FoWE is assessing Tore Primary Health Care Centre in Yei to plan rehabilitation and recruit qualified staff. Diplomacy: Japan’s new ambassador-designate to South Sudan pledges deeper cooperation, including support for infrastructure and vocational training. Regional Food Security: UN/FAO warns El Niño and ongoing conflict are colliding with a major funding gap, urging pooled resources for Horn of Africa resilience.

Agribusiness & Jobs in Yei: A Yei River County graduate is seeing promising rice results after shifting from public administration to farming, urging youth to use agriculture to cut unemployment and food imports. Farmer Support Gap: Other Yei farmers say food insecurity persists because security, roads, storage, irrigation, and affordable farm credit are still missing, with NGOs only filling part of the need. Health Infrastructure: FoWE is assessing Tore Primary Health Care Centre in Yei River County to rehabilitate buildings, water systems, and medical storage, and to recruit qualified staff. Energy & Construction (Regional): Kenya is preparing to ground-break the $16bn (Sh2 trillion) Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery at Lamu, with heavy machinery already arriving at the port—positioning the project to boost regional fuel processing and industrial growth. Food Security & Climate Risk: A UN/FAO official warns that El Nino-linked funding shortfalls could derail Horn of Africa resilience plans, urging pooled financing and earlier action. Politics & Elections: President Salva Kiir has opened a two-week inter-party dialogue in Juba focused on conditions for the December 22, 2026 elections. Diplomacy: Japan’s new ambassador-designate to South Sudan pledges deeper cooperation and support for peace, stability, and self-reliance.

Dangote Refinery Logistics: Lamu Port received about 2,930 tonnes of heavy construction machinery for the Sh2.2trn Dangote East Africa Refinery, a key step ahead of the Sept 30 groundbreaking. Regional Trade & Transport: Kenya’s President Ruto says the Standard Gauge Railway will be extended from Voi toward Tanzania, with about Sh5bn set aside to boost cross-border cargo and passenger links. Food Security Pressure: IGAD warns 40.3 million people across six East African states face acute food insecurity, with South Sudan hit hardest (55%) and funding shortfalls worsening the crisis. Ebola Preparedness & Mobility: The UAE lifted Ebola-related entry restrictions for Uganda, while keeping curbs for DRC and South Sudan. Energy & Agriculture Risk: AfDB flags South Sudan among high-vulnerability countries in an emergency energy and fertilizer crisis plan, as fuel and fertilizer shocks threaten farm output. EAC Inflation Watch: East Africa’s headline inflation eased in June, but food and core pressures remain.

South Sudan Peace & Institutions: A new op-ed argues grassroots reconciliation won’t last unless the “disease” at the state centre is fixed—calling for national institutional and constitutional reform, not just elite deals. Ebola Response & Mobility: The UAE lifted Ebola entry/visa restrictions for Ugandan nationals after Uganda completed monitoring, while keeping precautions for DRC and South Sudan—showing how travel rules can swing with outbreak status. Public Health Tech: In the DRC, health teams are using anonymised mobile phone movement data to spot where Ebola may spread next, aiming for earlier preparedness. Regional Food Security: IGAD warns over 40.3 million people across six East African countries face acute food insecurity in 2026, with South Sudan hit hardest (55% in crisis or worse). Energy & Industry Linkages: Kenya’s SGR expansion plan includes extending the line toward Tanzania, with about Sh5bn set aside for the Voi–Tanzania link—boosting trade corridors relevant to regional industry.

South Sudan Oil Reform: Dr. Santino Ayuel Longar Dau, now Undersecretary in the Ministry of Petroleum, is profiled for his long path from war and refugee life to helping reform South Sudan’s oil sector. Elections & Governance: President Salva Kiir has set a four-point roadmap for December 22 general elections, while civil society raises alarms over weak civic education and election logistics reaching rural areas. Food Security: IGAD warns that over 40.3 million people across six countries face acute food insecurity in 2026, with South Sudan hit hardest (about 55% in crisis levels). Energy & Infrastructure: Egypt says it has agreed to help mobilize funding for 36 Nile Basin projects, including power and water schemes, citing support for South Sudan’s Grand Fula Dam. Regional Trade & Agriculture: Fish traders in Jinja complain about costly licensing and non-tariff barriers hurting cross-border business between Uganda, Kenya and South Sudan. Health: WHO reports Ebola expansion in DR Congo to 63 health zones, raising cross-border transmission risks near South Sudan. Aviation: South Sudan’s new Civil Aviation Authority DG, Eng. Kat, pledges to strengthen safety and professionalism as he begins tenure.

Agri-Exports & Logistics: Kenya’s Vertical Agro Group says Chinese zero-tariff access is boosting avocado and vegetable exports, with shipments moving through a Chinese-built Naivasha dry port linked to the SGR—an example South Sudan traders may watch for cold-chain and corridor lessons. Refining & Jobs: Kenyan President William Ruto toured Dangote’s Lekki refinery in Lagos and confirmed Lamu’s groundbreaking next week, with the project framed as a major East Africa job creator. Power for Industry: Aliko Dangote offered 500MW from Lamu to Kenya, aiming to anchor refinery and petrochemical operations with baseload electricity. Oil Drilling Momentum (Region): A drilling rig for Kenya’s South Lokichar project has arrived in Mombasa, targeting first commercial oil in December 2026. Food Security Pressure: IGAD reports 40.3 million people across six states facing acute food insecurity in 2026, with South Sudan worst by prevalence—raising urgency for supply chains, farming support, and market access. Fisheries Trade Barriers: Fish traders in Uganda, Kenya and South Sudan complain about costly licensing and border restrictions hurting cross-border business. South Sudan Elections & Readiness: President Kiir outlined a four-point roadmap for December elections, while civil society warns civic education and logistics gaps could undermine credibility. Horticulture Push: Eastern African producers launched the Horticulture Council of Eastern Africa to cut trade barriers and improve cold-chain and corridor logistics, including South Sudan’s participation. Ebola Watch (DRC): WHO says Ebola has expanded to 63 health zones, increasing cross-border transmission risk near South Sudan.

Elections & Governance: President Salva Kiir dissolved South Sudan’s transitional government and legislative assemblies, moving toward a caretaker interim administration ahead of the December 22 general elections, while a four-point election roadmap (legal/administrative-logistical/security/political dialogue) is being pushed through inter-party talks amid civil society warnings about weak civic education and logistics. Food Security: IGAD reports over 40.3 million people across six states facing acute food insecurity in 2026, with South Sudan hit hardest (55% prevalence) as conflict, drought and reduced aid deepen hunger. Trade & Agriculture: Eastern Africa launched the Horticulture Council of Eastern Africa to cut trade barriers and improve cold-chain, logistics and market access, with South Sudan included among member countries. Regional Fisheries: Fish traders in Uganda, Kenya and South Sudan complain about costly licensing and border restrictions that are hurting cross-border business, especially for women and youth. Energy & Infrastructure: Japan’s new ambassador-designate to South Sudan pledged stronger cooperation, while Egypt says it is backing Nile Basin water and hydropower projects including South Sudan’s Grand Fula Dam. Aviation & Transport: South Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authority DG, Eng. Kat, begins a tenure focused on improving aviation services and safety standards.

Food Security: IGAD says 40.3 million people across six states face acute hunger in 2026, with South Sudan hit hardest by proportion, as conflict, climate shocks and funding gaps deepen crises. Trade & Fisheries: Fish traders in Uganda, Kenya and South Sudan complain about high licensing costs and border restrictions that are blocking cross-border business, with women reporting harassment at landing sites. Elections & Civic Readiness: President Salva Kiir launched a four-point election roadmap for the Dec 22 polls, while civil society warns of weak civic education, especially in rural areas, plus logistics and legal gaps. Political Restructuring: Kiir also dissolved the transitional government and legislative assemblies, moving toward a caretaker administration ahead of elections. Regional Industry & Connectivity: East Africa pushes digital integration and a new Horticulture Council to cut trade barriers and improve logistics and cold-chain access. Energy & Investment: South Sudan’s electricity access remains low as regional power projects grow, including the Dangote-led Lamu refinery plans that could reshape fuel supply for the corridor. Finance Rules: South Sudan’s central bank bans currency hoarding and speculative FX activity to curb artificial scarcity and inflation.

Food Security: IGAD warns over 40.3 million people across Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda face acute food insecurity in 2026, urging a shift from emergency response to prevention. Elections & Governance: President Salva Kiir dissolved South Sudan’s transitional government and legislative assemblies, appointing a caretaker administration ahead of the December 22 general elections, while the NEC approved voter registration forms and new election regulations. Agriculture & Climate: Northern Bahr el Ghazal officials and partners assess a prolonged dry spell affecting about 1.1 million people, as South Sudan’s meteorological service forecasts moderate to light rainfall in parts of Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal. Power & Industry: South Sudan’s Bank of South Sudan bans currency hoarding and speculative forex activity, while regional energy momentum continues with Dangote’s planned Lamu refinery expansion shaping East Africa’s fuel and jobs outlook. Trade & Agribusiness: Nine Eastern African countries launch the Horticulture Council of Eastern Africa to cut trade barriers and improve logistics, cold chains and market access. Digital Economy: EAC, IGAD and partners push regional digital integration to strengthen cross-border connectivity and services.

South Sudan Elections & Governance: President Salva Kiir dissolved the Transitional Government of National Unity and legislative assemblies, clearing the way for a caretaker administration ahead of the December 22 general elections, with vice presidents, ministers and regional legislatures removed and only courts and security left running. Election Logistics: The National Election Commission approved voter registration forms and implementing regulations, warning the public against unofficial claims that registration has already started. Digital Economy: East Africa’s EAC, IGAD and World Bank-backed digital integration push brought South Sudan into a Nairobi workshop aimed at cross-border connectivity and safer digital services. Energy & Industry: South Sudan’s Energy and Dams Ministry met the EU to discuss electricity generation, renewables and grid support, while the country digitises oil trade permits and customs—raising questions about keeping cargo records linked across corridors. Climate & Food Security: Northern Bahr el Ghazal officials, with WFP and partners, assessed prolonged dry spell impacts affecting about 1.1 million people, as meteorological forecasts call for moderate to light rainfall in parts of Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal. Regional Infrastructure: The push for better roads and transport connectivity is being framed as a key election enabler, since impassable routes can block rallies, markets and access to services.