AGP Executive Report

Housing & Urban Growth: Central Equatoria State signed a housing partnership with Ethiopia’s Federal Housing Corporation to speed up Juba’s housing construction, urban planning, and infrastructure upgrades. National Budget & Food Security: South Sudan’s Economic Cluster approved an SSP 11.335 trillion budget for 2026/27, with agriculture highlighted as a key lever for jobs and food security before it goes to the Council of Ministers and the legislature. Care Economy Research: The Gender Ministry and UN Women launched an assessment of South Sudan’s unpaid care work to guide policies and investments that reduce gender inequality. Ebola Travel Measures: Canada suspended processing of about 36,000 permanent residence applications tied to Ebola-related quarantine measures affecting DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. Oil & Maritime Readiness: LAPSSET began oil spill training in Lamu ahead of full oil production, focusing on prevention, preparedness, and response to protect coastal ecosystems and livelihoods. Mining & Governance: Upper Nile Governor James Koang Chuol unveiled a recognition initiative for community contributors, while Central Equatoria also moved to approve new mining rules. Agriculture Innovation: A new AI-enabled regenerative agriculture initiative in India signals growing interest in tech-backed farming models that could inspire regional approaches. Community & Service Delivery Politics: As December elections near, residents are pushing beyond campaign slogans, demanding medicines, schools, electricity, and roads.

Housing & Urban Development: Central Equatoria State signed a housing partnership with Ethiopia’s Federal Housing Corporation to speed up housing construction, infrastructure upgrades, and urban planning in Juba, with technical support and modern housing technology. Public Finance for Productive Sectors: South Sudan’s Economic Cluster approved a draft SSP 11.335 trillion budget for 2026/27, with agriculture highlighted as a key driver for food security, jobs, and rural livelihoods before it goes to the Council of Ministers and the legislature. Ebola & Mobility Controls: Canada suspended processing of about 36,000 permanent residence applications tied to Ebola-related measures affecting the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, pausing travel for thousands of applicants and PR holders until late August. Energy & Maritime Readiness: LAPSSET began oil spill training in Lamu ahead of full oil production, focusing on prevention, preparedness, and response to protect coastal ecosystems and livelihoods around the port and shipment routes. Agriculture & Skills: A push for land-sector workforce readiness is gaining attention, as skills gaps could threaten food security and net-zero goals—an issue that matters for farming, horticulture, aquaculture, and forestry. Community Service Recognition: Upper Nile Governor James Koang Chuol launched an honour-recognition initiative to reward community contributors, urging residents to serve through hard work and agriculture. Entertainment & Media Talent: Talentz MEDIA is recruiting volunteer entertainment writers across Africa, including South Sudan, to expand coverage of music, film, TV, and industry insights.

South Sudan Budget Push: The Economic Cluster has approved a proposed SSP 11.335 trillion budget for 2026/27, with agriculture flagged as a top priority to boost food security, jobs, and rural livelihoods, before it goes to the Council of Ministers and then the legislature. Elections & Service Delivery: As December 2026 election campaigns ramp up with SPLM red branding, communities are pushing back—voters say legitimacy will be judged by medicines in hospitals, equipped schools, electricity, and roads, not just campaign giveaways. Care Economy Study: The Gender Ministry and UN Women have launched an assessment of South Sudan’s unpaid care economy, linking women’s heavy domestic workload to gender inequality and calling for better planning and investment. Local Recognition in Upper Nile: Upper Nile Governor Lt. Gen. James Koang Chuol unveiled an honour list to recognize community contributors, urging leadership measured by service and agriculture. Legal & Church Affairs: Moru Congregation Church welcomed the acquittal of its chairperson after a court found no evidence in a dispute involving Juba City Council over the closure of Nyakuron Moru Congregation Church. Oil & Trade Link: Japan expects to meet domestic oil demand by July through expanded imports, including shipments from South Sudan—highlighting how regional energy flows can support industrial supply. Maritime Readiness: LAPSSET began oil spill training in Lamu ahead of full oil production, focusing on prevention and response to protect coastal ecosystems and livelihoods.

South Sudan Budget Push: The Economic Cluster approved an SSP 11.335 trillion budget for 2026/27, with agriculture flagged as a key driver for food security, jobs, and rural livelihoods, before it moves to the Council of Ministers and then the legislature. Oil & Maritime Readiness: As maritime operations ramp up ahead of full production, LAPSSET conducted oil spill training in Lamu to strengthen prevention, preparedness and response for first and last-mile shipment risks. Oil Transparency Call: Civil society activist Edmond Yakani welcomed higher crude output reaching 174,000 barrels per day, but urged the government to also disclose the revenue earned from the increase. Roads, Trade & Refugee Livelihoods: Traders in Maaji II (Adjumani) want urgent rehabilitation of the Maaji–Adjumani road after heavy rains made it nearly impassable, raising transport costs and disrupting access to goods and services. Gender & Care Economy: South Sudan’s Gender Ministry and UN Women launched an assessment of unpaid care work, linking it to women’s reduced education and employment opportunities and broader gender inequality. Public Health & Mobility: Canada suspended processing of about 36,000 permanent residence applications tied to Ebola-related measures affecting DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, pausing travel for affected applicants until late August 2026. Local Governance Recognition: Upper Nile Governor Lt. Gen. James Koang Chuol unveiled an honour list to recognize community contributors, stressing leadership should be measured by service and impact. Industry & Skills Signal: A global push for skills in land-based sectors highlights how workforce gaps can threaten food security and future production capacity.

Budget & Agriculture: South Sudan’s Economic Cluster backed a proposed SSP 11.335 trillion budget for 2026/27, with agriculture and food security at the center, before it moves to the Council of Ministers and the legislature for approval. Oil & Transparency: A civil society group welcomed reported crude output rising to 174,000 barrels per day, but urged the government to publish how much revenue the higher production generates. Gender & Labour: The Gender Ministry and UN Women launched an assessment of South Sudan’s unpaid care economy to show how childcare, eldercare and domestic work drive gender inequality and limit women’s jobs and education. Security & Governance: A separate government budget allocation highlights major spending on security, governance and rule of law, including modernising forces and border security. Health & Mobility: Canada suspended processing of about 36,000 permanent residence applications tied to Ebola-related measures affecting applicants from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan. Community & Justice: Moru Congregation Church welcomed the acquittal of its chairperson after a court found no evidence in a dispute involving city authorities. Infrastructure & Trade: Refugee traders in Adjumani urged urgent repair of the Maaji–Adjumani road, saying heavy rains are raising transport costs and disrupting supplies. Energy & Environment: LAPSSET began oil spill training as maritime operations expand ahead of full oil production, focusing on prevention and response. Humanitarian Pressure: Global groups marked World Hunger Day, warning hunger is driven by conflict, corruption and climate shocks—not lack of food.

Oil & Maritime Readiness: LAPSSET has started a four-day oil spill training in Lamu to prepare staff for first and last mile oil shipments ahead of full production, focusing on prevention, preparedness and response to protect coastal ecosystems and livelihoods. Gender & Labour Data: South Sudan’s Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare with UN Women launched an assessment of the care economy to measure how unpaid childcare, eldercare and domestic work drive gender inequality and limit women’s education and jobs. Community & Agriculture: Upper Nile Governor Lt. Gen. James Koang Chuol unveiled an honour recognition initiative to reward people who contribute through service, urging residents to embrace hard work and agriculture. Oil Governance Watch: CEPO’s Edmond Yakani welcomed higher crude output reported at 174,000 barrels per day, but demanded full disclosure of the revenue earned from the increase—not just production figures. Roads for Trade: Refugee traders in Maaji II (Adjumani) urged urgent rehabilitation of the Maaji–Adjumani road after heavy rains made it nearly impassable, raising transport costs and disrupting access to goods and services. Health Security: Africa CDC urged member states to strengthen Ebola exit screenings at borders, saying preparedness should focus on surveillance and readiness rather than travel bans. Local Court Update: Moru Congregation Church welcomed the acquittal of its chairperson after a court found no evidence in a dispute involving the closure of Nyakuron Moru Congregation Church. Humanitarian & Industry Support: Les Mills invited clubs to host “Workout for the World” on 20 June to raise funds for UNICEF, linking fitness events to clean water, medicine and nutrition support for children.

EAC Budget Push: East African Community member states tabled 2026/27 budgets with people-centred, pro-growth spending plans, prioritising industrialisation, digital transformation, and transport and energy infrastructure—an approach that could shape investment and jobs across the region. Upper Nile Recognition & Agriculture: Upper Nile Governor Lt. Gen. James Koang Chuol launched an honour initiative to recognize community contributors, urging residents toward hard work, service, and agriculture as a livelihood driver. South Sudan Oil Transparency Call: Civil society leader Edmond Yakani welcomed South Sudan’s reported rise in crude output to 174,000 barrels per day, but demanded full disclosure of the revenue earned—not just production figures. South Sudan Economic Cluster Budget: The Economic Cluster approved a proposed 11.335 trillion SSP budget for 2026/27, with agriculture, food security, and support for mining and livestock flagged as key growth priorities. Ebola Preparedness Funding: The U.S. announced additional support for Ebola preparedness in Kenya and South Sudan, backing surveillance, border screening, lab testing, and infection control. Trade Road Pressure in Adjumani: Refugee traders in Maaji II urged urgent rehabilitation of the Maaji–Adjumani road after heavy rains worsened access, raising transport costs and market prices. Energy Diversification Watch: Japan signalled it will meet full oil demand by July through expanded imports, including from South Sudan—highlighting how global energy shifts can quickly affect regional suppliers.

South Sudan Economic Planning: The Economic Cluster approved a proposed SSP 11.335 trillion budget for 2026/27, prioritizing agriculture for food security, plus support for mining and livestock before it goes to the Council of Ministers and then the legislature. Ebola Preparedness: The U.S. announced $20 million more for Ebola preparedness in Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, and South Sudan, targeting surveillance, lab testing, border screening, and infection control. Juba Investment Push: The Juba Special Economic Zone met U.S. investor Global Trading Commodities to speed up trade and infrastructure cooperation aimed at industrial growth and jobs. Land & Mining Tensions: In Jebel Boma County (Greater Pibor), seven residents were arrested over a disputed land lease and concerns about gold mining, sparking calls for transparency. Regional Trade & Logistics: The EU backed Kenya’s Northern Corridor with €17m for cold chain and trade facilitation, supporting lower losses and cheaper freight. Power & Industry Link: A China grid-forming renewables project advanced civil works on a 220 kV substation to improve power stability as renewable generation rises. World Bank Macro Shock: The World Bank cut its global growth forecast to 2.5% for 2026, warning the Middle East conflict is hitting developing economies hardest.

South Sudan Investment Push: Juba Special Economic Zone (JSEZ) met U.S. Global Trading Commodities to speed up investment, trade and infrastructure support aimed at industrial growth and jobs. Regional Development: South Sudan will benefit from new AfDB regional projects after talks in Juba, with focus on urban electricity distribution, agriculture, climate resilience and economic diversification. Oil & Industry: South Sudan’s petroleum output continues to rise, with GPOC recording its highest output in two decades and daily production climbing to about 174,000 barrels. Ebola Preparedness & Trade Risk: The U.S. added Ksh2.59bn for Ebola preparedness in Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda and South Sudan, supporting surveillance, border screening and medical supplies—while global shipping and food costs remain under pressure from Middle East conflict. Food Security on the Ground: Save the Children warns Jonglei children are surviving on leaves and water lilies as violence, flooding and hunger cut off aid in Akobo and Walgak. Governance & Security: NSS warned the public and businesses against unauthorized manufacture and sale of military uniforms and insignia. Infrastructure & Logistics: AfDB-backed and regional efforts also align with trade facilitation moves across East Africa, including digital customs and corridor cold-chain upgrades.

Banking & Trade Links: Standard Bank/Stanbic is weighing a greenfield entry into Ethiopia, but the 49% foreign ownership cap is a major constraint—so it’s also watching progress from its telecom client’s earlier Ethiopia push. Regional Development: South Sudan will benefit from new AfDB regional projects after talks in Juba, with focus on urban electricity distribution, agriculture, climate resilience, and economic diversification. Food & Humanitarian Pressure: Save the Children warns Jonglei families are surviving on leaves and water lilies as insecurity and flooding cut off aid, driving severe malnutrition and school dropouts. Politics & Party Finance: South Sudan’s Political Parties Council tells registered parties to submit audited financial reports by early July or face penalties, including possible disqualification. Security & Compliance: The NSS warns against unauthorized manufacturing, selling, possessing, or wearing its uniforms and insignia, threatening arrest and prosecution. Mining Regulation: Central Equatoria Governor Adil approves draft rules to license and monitor artisanal mining, including inspections, environmental protection, and enforcement. Ebola & Mobility: The US urges Europe to tighten Ebola travel limits ahead of the World Cup, while many EU states push back, preferring enhanced monitoring over broad bans. Inclusive Value Chains: ITC and Equity Group sign an MoU to advance East Africa value chains, starting with coffee, leather, and the creative economy. Co-ops & Rural Finance: Co-operative Bank of South Sudan hosts a forum to strengthen co-operatives for food security, market access, and jobs in Northern Bahr el Ghazal. Climate Action: Youth launch the Climate Youth Ecumenical Summit in Juba to push climate justice and community resilience across South Sudan.

Food Security & Local Markets: Save the Children warns that in Jonglei’s Akobo and Walgak, families are surviving on leaves, water lilies and wild plants as violence, flooding and hunger cut them off from aid, with children dropping out of school and facing malnutrition, child labour and early marriage. Agriculture Support: Farmers in Yei River County are calling for more agricultural support—tools, storage, transport and funding—to boost production and lower food prices. Mining & Jobs: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil has approved draft mining regulations to better license, inspect and enforce artisanal mining, with a focus on oversight and environmental protection. Infrastructure & Planning: Yei River County officials met to review housing, land, roads and survey work, citing transport limits and the need for more professional staff. Governance & Elections: South Sudan’s Political Parties Council says registered parties must submit audited financial reports by early July or face penalties, including possible disqualification. Security & Compliance: The National Security Service warns against unauthorized manufacture, sale or wearing of its uniforms and insignia, threatening arrest and prosecution. Youth & Health: The Gender Ministry undersecretary calls for stronger market regulation to curb youth access to illicit drugs and alcohol. Climate Advocacy: Christian youth launched the Climate Youth Ecumenical Summit in Juba to push climate justice and community resilience across states. Regional Trade & Logistics: Singapore begins talks on a Free Trade Agreement with the EAC, which includes South Sudan, aiming to expand market access and goods flow. Ebola & Supply Chains: UNICEF says Middle East conflict is raising transport costs and delaying deliveries, while Ebola response efforts in the region continue to scale up.

Political Party Compliance: South Sudan’s Political Parties Council (PPC) has ordered registered parties to submit audited financial reports by the first week of July, warning of administrative penalties and possible disqualification. Security & Uniforms: The National Security Service (NSS) says anyone manufacturing, selling, possessing, or wearing its uniforms or insignia without authorization will be arrested and prosecuted, targeting tailors and businesses too. Mining Regulation: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil approved new draft rules for artisanal mining, aiming to improve licensing, inspections, environmental protection, and enforcement. Infrastructure & Aviation: Wau airport is set for upgrades, including a new control tower and passenger terminals expected within 7–8 months, alongside checks on radar and air traffic systems. Oil Transparency Push: Civil society activist Edmund Yakani urged the Ministry of Petroleum to disclose crude oil revenue figures, not just production, and to invest earnings in productive sectors like agriculture. Food Production Drive: VP Taban Deng Gai returned to Juba urging farmers to fully use the rainy season to boost food output and tackle hunger. Co-operative Banking for Agriculture: Co-operative Bank of South Sudan convened 41 co-operatives in Northern Bahr el Ghazal to strengthen food security, market access, and jobs through the co-operative model.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of the Congo reports 101 confirmed Ebola deaths and 550 confirmed cases after 35 new cases and 10 deaths were logged in 24 hours, with armed groups in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu still limiting humanitarian access. Ebola Response (UNICEF): UNICEF says it has dispatched over 100 metric tons of emergency supplies—PPE, medicines and WASH materials—to the outbreak epicenter in DRC, warning it is “a race against time.” Ebola & Mobility Controls: The UAE has introduced travel restrictions affecting passengers from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, while Mauritius has also tightened entry rules linked to the outbreak. Mining & Regulation (Central Equatoria): Governor Emmanuel Adil approved draft mining regulations to license, inspect and enforce artisanal mining, including environmental protection. Elections Prep (PPC): South Sudan’s Political Parties Council launched a five-day workshop in Juba to strengthen party systems, conflict resolution and digital registration ahead of general elections. Oil Transparency (Petroleum): Civil society activist Edmund Yakani urges the Ministry of Petroleum to disclose crude oil revenue, not just production figures. Aviation Upgrade (Wau): Work to upgrade Wau Regional Airport—control tower and passenger terminals—was launched, targeting completion in 7–8 months. Food Security Push: VP Taban Deng Gai returned to Juba urging farmers to use the rainy season to boost food production amid ongoing rural hardship. Co-op Banking (Northern Bahr el Ghazal): Co-operative Bank of South Sudan hosted 41 cooperatives for capacity building tied to food security, market access and jobs, including support under an IFAD-funded READ project.

Mining & Regulation: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil approved new rules to license, inspect, and monitor artisanal mining, aiming to improve oversight and environmental protection. Food & Agriculture: Farmers in Yei River County are calling for more support—tools, storage, transport, and funding—to boost production and cut food prices. Oil & Accountability: Civil society activist Edmund Yakani urged the Ministry of Petroleum to disclose crude oil revenue, not just output, and push earnings into productive sectors like agriculture. Infrastructure & Aviation: Work to upgrade Wau Regional Airport—control tower and passenger terminals—was launched, targeting international standards within 7–8 months. Elections & Digital Systems: The Political Parties Council launched a five-day workshop in Juba to prepare parties for general elections, including training on governance, conflict resolution, and digital registration. Justice & Security: A court hearing in the Nasir attack case continued as a close associate of Riek Machar denied sharing classified intelligence. Public Health & Trade Disruption: UNICEF is scaling up Ebola response in DR Congo with over 100 metric tons of emergency supplies, while the wider region faces rising logistics costs and tighter travel rules linked to Ebola risk. Energy & Supply Chains: Japan received its first crude shipments from Alaska and South Sudan as Strait of Hormuz disruptions push countries to diversify energy sources.

Aviation & Infrastructure: South Sudan’s Wau Regional Airport upgrade kicks off with a new control tower and passenger terminals, aiming for completion in 7–8 months and boosting Wau’s role as an alternative international gateway. Oil & Trade: Civil society activist Edmund Yakani urges the Ministry of Petroleum to disclose oil export revenues, not just production, as crude output climbs to about 174,000 bpd. Local Governance & Revenue: Juba City Council advances a Property Tax Bill to fund road maintenance, sanitation, and security, saying the lack of a legal framework has blocked effective collection. Ebola & Mobility: The UAE moves to restrict travel from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan over Ebola risk, while Mauritius also tightens entry rules and quarantine requirements for travelers linked to the outbreak. Food Security & Logistics: UN warnings link Middle East shipping disruptions to rising hunger and higher transport costs, with aid delivery delays hitting vulnerable countries. Agriculture & Jobs: South Sudan’s agriculture leaders reaffirm plans to shift farmers from subsistence to commercial production, backed by private investment and climate-smart farming. Regional Connectivity: Kenya and Uganda railways push Northern Corridor freight cooperation to speed cargo to landlocked markets including South Sudan.

Aviation & Infrastructure: South Sudan’s Government has launched a major upgrade of Wau Regional Airport, with a new control tower and passenger terminals expected in 7–8 months, alongside inspections of radar and air traffic systems to strengthen the airport’s role as an alternative gateway. Oil & Trade Logistics: Japan has received crude oil shipments sourced from Alaska and South Sudan, signaling a push to secure supply routes as Middle East tensions disrupt traditional channels. Maritime Capacity: Kenya Ports Authority is expanding Mombasa Port with construction of Berth 19B, adding 240m of quay and deeper draft to handle larger container vessels—good news for regional freight, including South Sudan-bound cargo. Petroleum Accountability: Civil society activist Edmund Yakani is calling on the Ministry of Petroleum to disclose oil export revenue, not just production figures, and to invest earnings into productive sectors like agriculture. Local Revenue Policy: Juba City Council is moving to enact a Property Tax Bill to improve revenue collection for services such as roads, sanitation, and security. Agriculture & Food Security: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil and Agriculture Minister Clement Juma reaffirmed plans to shift farmers from subsistence to commercial agriculture, attract private investment, and use climate-smart technologies. Ebola & Mobility Controls: UAE and Mauritius have tightened entry rules tied to Ebola risk in DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, while regional preparedness efforts expand across Africa. Co-ops & Finance: Co-operative Bank of South Sudan hosted a forum with 41 co-operative societies in Northern Bahr el Ghazal to boost governance, agribusiness skills, and access to affordable financing.