AGP Executive Report

Oil Output Boost: South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum says crude production has climbed to 174,000 barrels per day, citing residual recovery studies, drilling, and infrastructure upgrades despite declines in Blocks 1 and 4S. Production Push at GPOC: The Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC) also reported output rising to 60,158 bpd, reversing mature-field decline trends. Presidential Call: President Salva Kiir urged oil stakeholders to keep fields stable and continue raising production, linking gains to national development. Mining Regulation: The Ministry of Mining told a visiting gold investor in Juba that foreign firms must follow South Sudan’s mining laws, safe practices, and community-focused growth rules. Passports Go Digital: South Sudan’s civil registry and immigration directorate is sending engineers to Egypt to build an online passport system that links Cairo applications to Juba’s database, aiming to cut delays. Humanitarian Pressure in Jonglei: WFP is scaling up food and nutrition support in Akobo as conflict and displacement drive catastrophic hunger levels. Ebola Spillover Risks: US and Canada tightened World Cup travel rules for visitors from DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan amid Ebola concerns, adding uncertainty for fans and officials. Trade Finance for Value Chains: ITC and Equity Group signed an MoU to unlock trade finance and skills for coffee, leather, and creative industries across East Africa, including South Sudan. Ebola, Aid and Costs: Global supply disruptions tied to the Hormuz crisis are pushing up transport and fuel costs, straining already underfunded aid operations.

Oil & Energy: South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum says daily crude output has jumped to 174,000 barrels, citing residual recovery studies, drilling, and infrastructure upgrades despite field declines. Oil Operations: GPOC production also rose to 60,158 bpd across Unity State blocks 1, 2, 3 and 4, as the ministry credits work reversing mature-field decline. Food Security & Humanitarian Response: UN agencies warn 7.2 million people in South Sudan urgently need food aid, with WFP scaling up emergency support in Jonglei’s Akobo as conflict and hunger deepen. Conflict Impact on Communities: A WFP report from Akobo describes families returning to burned homes and mud-choked routes, with rains threatening supply access. Mining Regulation: The Mining Minister says foreign investors must follow South Sudan’s mining laws, safe practices, and community-focused growth, after meetings with a gold investor in Juba. Ebola & Cross-Border Health: US and Canada tightened World Cup travel rules for visitors from DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan amid Ebola fears, while IOM warns border closures can push Ebola spread into unmonitored routes. Public Health Governance: Kenya’s government admitted it didn’t communicate well about a US-backed Ebola isolation and testing facility in Laikipia, after protests and a court halt. Digital Services: South Sudan’s civil registry and immigration team is setting up an online passport system linking applications from Egypt to Juba’s database to cut delays. Entertainment & Branding: South Sudanese AfroZouk star Jaki rebranded, retiring “Queen Hustler Official” as her stage name and using it as a slogan. Governance & Migration Diplomacy: South Africa’s Ramaphosa says envoys will be dispatched across Africa to tackle migration pressures, with South Sudan and Sudan mentioned in regional peace engagement. Foreign Travel Advisories: The UK Foreign Office updated its “do not travel” list, reflecting ongoing global security and health risks.

South Sudan Soldiers’ Welfare: A fresh opinion piece says ordinary soldiers and their families are being left behind—reports of months or years without proper salaries, weak medical support for the wounded, and no compensation for families of those who never return. Food Security Alarm: The UN warns 7.2 million people in South Sudan urgently need food aid as hunger and malnutrition deepen, with WFP scaling up emergency response in Jonglei, including Akobo. Ebola Spillover Pressure: IOM says blanket border closures are worsening Ebola spread by pushing movement into informal routes, while the wider outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda keeps regional health systems under strain. Education Results: South Sudan released 2025 CSE results—80.7% pass rate, with Darling Wisdom Academy topping national performance. Digital Services for Citizens: South Sudan’s civil registry and immigration plans an online passport system, starting with South Sudanese in Cairo, linking applications to Juba to cut delays. Media Tech Upgrade: South Sudan Media Authority approved responsible AI use in newsrooms to boost efficiency and accuracy. Trade & Jobs Link: ITC and Equity Group signed a deal to expand finance and trade support for coffee, leather and creative industries across East Africa, including South Sudan. Parliament Payroll Clean-up: Parliament begins staff screening to curb payroll irregularities and fraud. Infrastructure Corridor Talk: Kenya’s Rironi-Mau Summit–Malaba highway upgrade gets momentum via AIIB financing for feasibility work, a corridor that can connect to South Sudan trade routes. Regional Instability Watch: Gulf tensions between Iran and the US are flaring again, pushing up oil prices and raising risks for shipping and logistics costs that can hit humanitarian supply chains.

South Sudan Food Security: The UN says 7.2 million people in South Sudan urgently need food aid as hunger and malnutrition deepen, with WFP warning it’s a tight race to expand help fast. Ebola & Cross-Border Health: IOM warns that border closures are fueling hidden Ebola spread in the DRC–Uganda region by pushing movement into informal routes with weaker screening. Trade & Finance for Local Businesses: ITC and Equity Group signed an MoU to unlock trade finance and market links for coffee, leather, and creative industries across East Africa, with Equity’s presence including South Sudan. Digital Services for Citizens Abroad: South Sudan’s civil registry and immigration directorate is launching an online passport processing system linking applications in Egypt (Cairo) to the Juba database to cut delays. Education Results: South Sudan released 2025 CSE results with an 80.7% pass rate. Governance & Jobs: Parliament began a workforce screening to curb payroll irregularities and tighten accountability. Aviation Safety: The Civil Aviation Authority ordered owners of grounded aircraft to leave or dispose them under aviation rules. Media Tech: The Media Authority approved AI use in newsrooms to boost efficiency and accuracy.

Education Results: South Sudan’s Ministry of General Education released the 2025 CSE results: 45,776 candidates sat for exams across 521 schools, with 36,950 passing for an 80.7% pass rate, led by Darling Wisdom Academy. Parliament & Public Finance: The parliament speaker launched a staff screening exercise to fix payroll irregularities and build an accurate workforce record across departments and support units. Food Security & Aid Logistics: WFP scaled up emergency response in Akobo East as catastrophic hunger and malnutrition deepen, while UNICEF warned that Middle East-linked transport disruptions are driving up costs and delaying lifesaving supplies to children, including to South Sudan. Health & Ebola Spillover Risk: Ebola fears are disrupting regional operations and travel, with airlines and countries tightening controls as outbreaks in Congo and Uganda grow. Trade & Value Addition: ITC and Equity Group signed a deal to expand access to finance and trade expertise for East Africa’s coffee, leather and creative industries, with South Sudan included in Equity’s regional banking footprint. Infrastructure & Transport: Kenya’s Rironi-Mau Summit–Malaba corridor plan advanced after AIIB financing for a feasibility study to upgrade the Northern Corridor road link.

Ebola & Humanitarian Logistics: UNICEF warns West Asia conflict is driving up transport costs and delays, with some aid shipments now delayed up to six months—also affecting Ebola response as ports in Mombasa and Dar es Salaam stay congested. Ebola Quarantine Protests in Kenya: Kenya’s High Court extended a halt on a planned US Ebola quarantine facility near Nanyuki after deadly protests, as public anger grows over using local space for foreign citizens. South Sudan Hunger Response: WFP scaled up emergency food and nutrition support in Akobo East amid insecurity and worsening malnutrition, urging sustained safety for aid convoys. South Sudan Education Results: South Sudan released 2025 CSE results with an 80.7% pass rate (36,950 passed out of 45,776), led by Darling Wisdom Academy. Parliament Payroll Cleanup: South Sudan’s National Assembly launched staff screening to verify appointments and reduce payroll irregularities. Oil Sector Reforms: A South Sudan oil executive profile highlights reforms aimed at boosting production and economic recovery. Trade & Industry Pressure: South Sudan’s Ministry of Trade met businesses over high taxes, FX instability, border delays, unreliable power, and counterfeit goods. Infrastructure Link: Kenya’s AIIB-backed feasibility work advances the Rironi-Mau Summit–Malaba corridor plan to strengthen the Northern Corridor.

Humanitarian Response: WFP has scaled up emergency food and nutrition aid in Akobo East, reaching hundreds of thousands as insecurity, damaged infrastructure and the rainy season disrupt operations; WFP warns parts of Akobo are at IPC Phase 5 catastrophe risk. Extractives & Communities: A Juba workshop on mining and community rights says weak regulation can drive environmental damage, displacement and livelihood loss, urging better safeguards and community participation in extractive decisions. Oil Sector Reforms: A young South Sudanese oil executive at Dar Petroleum Operating Company is pushing reforms aimed at boosting efficiency and production to support economic recovery. Ebola Watch (Regional Health Risk): The IRC warns the Congo Ebola outbreak is likely far worse than official figures, citing delayed detection and low contact tracing, while vaccine development for the Bundibugyo strain gets major funding and medics struggle to track contacts. Trade & Business Climate: The Ministry of Trade and Industry consults businesses on high taxes and levies, FX instability, border delays, unreliable power and counterfeit goods—issues raising operating costs and slowing private sector growth. South Sudan Finance: South Sudan asks the African Development Bank for more concessional financing, climate resilience support and private investment as oil dependence and floods keep pressure on the economy.

Food Security in South Sudan: WFP has scaled up emergency food and nutrition support in Akobo County as hunger and severe malnutrition worsen, with parts of the county assessed at IPC Phase 5 (catastrophe) and about 97,000 people projected to face crisis-level hunger. Mining & Community Rights: In Juba, a Mining and Community Rights workshop warned that weak mining regulation could drive environmental damage, displacement, and livelihood loss, urging better stakeholder participation and responsible management as the sector is positioned for jobs and infrastructure. Ebola Response & Cross-Border Trade: Ebola fears are reshaping regional movement and planning, with WHO urging countries to reconsider travel bans and border closures that may discourage case reporting, while the outbreak continues to spread in eastern DR Congo and affects neighboring areas including Uganda and South Sudan. Regional Health Coordination: The East African Community is set to hold an emergency virtual health ministers meeting (June 1–2) to align cross-border surveillance, rapid response, and health protocols. Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation: South Korea hosted its first ministerial meeting with 50 African nations in Seoul, pushing cooperation on infrastructure, industrialisation, technology transfer, energy, and food security—aimed at shared prosperity amid supply chain disruptions. Media & Digital Costs: A watchdog says opaque web-scraping systems are draining resources from public-interest journalism, highlighting rising operational pressures for independent media.

Diplomacy & Trade: South Korea hosted the first Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Seoul, bringing together ministers from 50 African countries and key regional bodies (AU, AfDB, AfCFTA, Africa CDC) to push practical cooperation on shared growth, supply-chain disruptions, energy and food security. Public Health & Cross-Border Industry Impact: The WHO says the Congo Ebola threat is serious but not a COVID-style pandemic, urging countries to reconsider travel bans and border closures that could slow reporting; the EAC also plans an emergency virtual health meeting to coordinate surveillance, rapid response, and aligned protocols across the region, including South Sudan. Food Security & Agriculture: Save the Children warns Sudan’s pre-harvest lean season could worsen child malnutrition as conflict damages farming and cereal production, with millions already facing acute hunger—an indirect pressure point for regional food supply chains. Roads & Logistics: A civil society push is renewed for urgent repairs to the Juba–Nimule highway, saying slow progress is raising transport costs and squeezing market supply. Security & Youth Employment: In Yei, eight members of the “45 gang” voluntarily surrendered, with calls for vocational training and agricultural support to prevent re-recruitment. Governance & Sanctions: Six UN Security Council members abstained on renewing South Sudan sanctions and the arms embargo, arguing they may be hindering political transition and security reforms.

Ebola Response in the Region: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged countries to rethink Ebola travel bans and border closures, warning they can discourage case reporting; the outbreak is driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain in eastern DRC and has spread into Uganda, with no approved vaccine or treatment for this variant. EAC Health Coordination: East African Community ministers will hold an emergency virtual meeting June 1–2 to align cross-border surveillance, rapid response, and health protocols as deaths rise. South Sudan Food Crisis: UN agencies say 7.2 million people in conflict-hit South Sudan urgently need food aid, with WFP scaling up emergency response in Akobo amid worsening hunger and displacement. Roads & Trade: A civil society group renewed calls for urgent, faster rehabilitation of the Juba–Nimule highway, saying slow repairs are pushing up transport costs and the cost of living. Security & Youth Reintegration: In Yei, eight members of the “45 gang” surrendered voluntarily and want to exit gang life, with authorities urging vocational training and agricultural support to prevent return. Agroforestry for Climate Resilience: A new intra-Africa agroforestry mobility drive links universities including the University of Juba to train students and strengthen research for climate change mitigation.

Ebola & Trade Disruptions: The DRC’s new Bundibugyo Ebola surge is driving border closures and travel bans across the region, with WHO warning response is being slowed by conflict, displacement, and mistrust—while countries like Uganda tighten entry rules and global travel curbs ripple into commerce and tourism. Food Security Crisis: South Sudan’s hunger emergency is worsening fast: UN/WFP says about 7.2 million people need urgent food aid, with Akobo facing catastrophic hunger and malnutrition as fighting and displacement disrupt livelihoods. Roads & Logistics: Civil society is urging the government to speed up repairs on the Juba–Nimule highway, saying slow rehabilitation is pushing up transport costs and raising the cost of living. Oil & Business: A legal fight over South Sudan crude sales continues after a court ruling left an energy company unable to block the country’s £142m oil sales. Investment & Industry Governance: Western Bahr el Ghazal has set up a State Investment Authority board to steer state investment decisions, including approvals for major projects. Regional Connectivity: EAC regulators are pushing harmonised mobile roaming rules to cut cross-border communication costs and support trade and the digital economy. Sanctions Debate: UN Security Council members abstained on renewing South Sudan sanctions, arguing the measures may be hindering political transition and security reforms. Energy Policy (Regional): Ethiopia’s draft energy policy targets full cost recovery by 2028, aiming to unlock more private investment and stabilize power utility finances.

Ebola & Cross-Border Trade: DR Congo’s Ebola surge is being linked by experts to continued demand for wild meat, with health officials warning that hunting, butchering and processing can drive zoonotic spillovers. Public Health Funding Pressure: Africa CDC says promised Ebola response funding has dropped sharply, leaving the Bundibugyo outbreak harder to detect and contain. South Sudan Food Crisis: UN agencies report 7.2 million people in South Sudan need urgent food aid, with WFP scaling up emergency support in Akobo as conflict and malnutrition worsen. Humanitarian Logistics in Akobo: WFP says parts of Akobo are in catastrophe hunger levels and that displacement, disrupted health services and disease outbreaks are driving acute malnutrition. South Sudan Oil Dispute: An energy firm failed to block South Sudan from selling £142m of crude after a court ruling questioned whether shipments matched the company’s entitlement. Digital Integration: South Sudan reaffirmed plans for a modern, interoperable digital ecosystem to boost regional integration, public services and youth economic opportunities. Regional Connectivity: EAC regulators are developing harmonised roaming rules to cut communication costs and support cross-border trade.

Oil & Courts: A court ruling has blocked an energy firm’s attempt to stop South Sudan from selling about £142m ($191m) worth of crude, turning the dispute into a major legal fight over shipment entitlements. Food Security: The UN says over 7.2 million people in conflict-hit South Sudan urgently need food aid, warning of a race against time as violence and displacement worsen. Humanitarian Response (Akobo): WFP has scaled up emergency food and nutrition support in Akobo, where IPC Phase 5 catastrophe hunger and IPC Acute Malnutrition Phase 5 are reported, with tens of thousands displaced. Ebola & Borders: Uganda has closed its DRC border over the escalating Ebola crisis, while WHO warns mistrust and insecurity in eastern DRC are hampering containment. Digital Integration: South Sudan reaffirmed plans for modern, interoperable digital public infrastructure at a forum in Estonia, focusing on secure data exchange, digital identity, and cybersecurity to boost services and trade. Investment & Industry: Western Bahr el Ghazal set up a State Investment Authority board to approve major investment certificates and guide state investment policy, including roles for agriculture, trade, industry, mining, and roads. Public Works Funding Debate: A proposal to fund Juba sports facilities using one oil cargo was challenged by Cabinet Affairs, which says projects must follow approved budgets.

Ebola Border Shock: Uganda has closed its border with the DRC as the Ebola crisis worsens, reporting one death in Kampala and seven cases while tightening screening and isolation; South Sudan says it has no suspected or confirmed cases, but WHO warns testing capacity is limited. Regional Health Security: IGAD launched a $31.9m PREPARE project to strengthen cross-border pandemic readiness across Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda, focusing on surveillance, labs, and trained health workforces. South Sudan Energy & Power Trade: South Sudan’s Energy and Dams Ministry signed an MoU with NELSAP-CU to lead resource mobilization for baseline and feasibility studies of the Grand Fulla Hydropower Project, while also pushing to accelerate the South Sudan–Uganda Power Interconnection Project. Digital Integration: South Sudan reaffirmed plans for a modern, interoperable digital public infrastructure at a forum in Tallinn, aiming at secure data exchange, digital identity, cybersecurity, and better government services. Public Health Policy Ripple: Canada moved to impose quarantine and suspend immigration documents for residents of the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, showing how the outbreak is reshaping travel and logistics far beyond the region.

Ebola & Border Controls: Canada says it will keep tightening entry rules for people coming from Ebola-affected DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, including 21-day quarantine for asymptomatic travellers, even as WHO advises against travel bans; the move is tied to FIFA World Cup 2026 travel flows. Ebola Response Strain in the Region: In eastern DRC, the outbreak is worsening around Mongbwalu, with mistrust and violent incidents disrupting care and burials as suspected cases surge. Health Workers Push Back: Kenya’s doctors’ union issued a 48-hour ultimatum over plans for a US-backed Ebola quarantine and treatment facility at Laikipia Air Base, citing lack of transparency and staffing shortages. South Sudan Digital & Trade Readiness: South Sudan reaffirmed its push for modern, interoperable digital public infrastructure at a forum in Estonia, aiming at secure data exchange, digital identity, and regional services. Energy & Infrastructure Finance: South Sudan’s energy ministry signed an MoU with NELSAP-CU to lead resource mobilization for studies on the Grand Fulla Hydropower Project, while also discussing faster progress on the South Sudan–Uganda power interconnection. Public Health Planning in IGAD: IGAD launched a $31.9m pandemic preparedness project to strengthen cross-border surveillance, labs, and emergency workforce capacity across member states including South Sudan. Media Workplace Safety: A new multi-country study finds 1 in 3 media workers report sexual harassment, with most cases going unreported—an issue for newsroom reforms across the region. Oil & Public Finance Debate: A proposal to fund Juba sports facilities using one crude oil cargo was challenged by Cabinet Affairs, which insists projects must follow approved budgets.

Ebola Response & Border Trade: The US is preparing a quarantine and treatment center in Kenya for Americans affected by the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, while Canada and other countries tighten entry rules and 21-day isolation for travellers from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan—raising new pressure on regional travel, logistics and cross-border commerce. South Sudan Energy & Power Projects: In Juba, South Sudan’s Ministry of Energy and Dams signed an MoU with NELSAP-CU to lead resource mobilization for baseline and feasibility studies on the Grand Fulla Hydropower Project, and also discussed steps to accelerate the South Sudan–Uganda power interconnection grid. Electricity Costs: South Sudan’s energy minister says presidential directives are already cutting electricity tariffs and setting a 60–40 revenue-sharing arrangement with JETCO. Transport & Trade Continuity: Kenya’s KeNHA extended expired truck permits for two weeks after a permit system outage, using a manual clearance process to keep cargo moving—an important reminder for regional supply chains. Tax & Industry: Uganda’s High Court dismissed Nile Breweries’ bid to stop URA collecting Shs18.5bn in disputed VAT and excise taxes, a signal for manufacturers facing enforcement risk.