AGP Executive Report

Digital Economy: A new opinion argues South Sudan should build digital systems into the foundations of government and commerce, helping improve payments, records and revenue tracking rather than waiting for institutions to mature first. Trade and Logistics: South Sudan has broken ground on a cargo hub in Kenya’s Mai Mahiu Special Economic Zone. The facility is planned as an alternative clearance point for imports and exports, potentially easing the movement of more than 1.5 million tonnes of South Sudan-bound cargo handled through Mombasa each year. Regional Trade: Uganda and South Sudan already exchange up to $800 million in goods annually; businesses say reducing trade barriers could unlock more investment and access to the wider East African market. Business Support: A UNDP programme has provided 1,247 youth- and women-led businesses with interest-free loans, disbursing 4.54 billion SSP. Mining: The government is moving to overhaul mining laws after 14 years, with proposed changes set for stakeholder validation.

Foreign Trade: South Sudan’s government says it has no national order expelling foreign traders, but a Juba County directive restricting foreigners from small-scale retail has unsettled businesses and drawn concern from Uganda. Logistics: South Sudan has broken ground on a cargo hub in Kenya’s Mai Mahiu Special Economic Zone. The 10-hectare site will support customs clearance, storage and cargo consolidation, offering an alternative for more than 1.5 million tonnes of South Sudan-bound cargo handled through Mombasa each year. Regional Trade: Uganda and South Sudan trade up to $800 million in goods annually. Businesses say removing barriers could unlock more investment and wider access to the East African market. Youth Enterprise: A UNDP and African Development Bank project has provided 1,247 youth- and women-led businesses with interest-free loans, totalling 4.54 billion South Sudanese pounds, to support jobs and small-business growth. Mining: The government is moving to overhaul mining laws after 14 years, with stakeholder validation planned.

Trade Gateway: South Sudan has broken ground on a 10-hectare cargo hub in Kenya’s Mai Mahiu Special Economic Zone. The facility could streamline clearance of more than 1.5 million tonnes of South Sudan-bound cargo a year, with containers expected to arrive by rail from Mombasa. Foreign Traders: Juba says there is no national order for foreign traders to leave, after a county commissioner called for foreigners to quit small-scale retail. The dispute has raised concerns about protectionism and regional business confidence. Regional Commerce: Uganda and South Sudan already trade goods worth up to $800 million annually; officials and businesses say removing barriers could unlock more trade and investment. Finance and Jobs: A youth enterprise programme has disbursed 4.54 billion SSP in interest-free loans to 1,247 youth- and women-led businesses. Separately, the Bank of South Sudan has outlined priorities for tackling liquidity pressures and rebuilding trust in the banking sector.

Trade and Regional Ties: Uganda and South Sudan are looking to grow annual trade beyond its current level of up to $800 million, with businesses calling for fewer barriers and better access to regional markets. Business Rules: Juba County’s call for foreign traders to leave small-scale retail has unsettled Ugandan businesses. South Sudan’s Foreign Ministry says there is no national order for foreigners to leave, while Uganda urges fair treatment under the East African Community’s common market rules. Finance: The Bank of South Sudan says reports that its Rumbek branch was looted are false. Separately, the central bank has outlined steps to tackle cash shortages and rebuild confidence in the banking sector. Oil Investment: South Africa’s state fuel company is assessing risks for a proposed 60,000-barrel-a-day refinery in Pagak, where difficult terrain and security concerns complicate plans for oil exploration. Business Services: An upgraded national standards laboratory is expected to cut product certification delays to about one month, easing a bottleneck for businesses.

Regional Trade: Uganda and South Sudan are looking to expand annual trade beyond $800 million. But Juba County’s call for foreign traders to leave small-scale retail has raised concerns; South Sudan’s national government says it has issued no expulsion order, while Uganda urges respect for regional trade commitments. Oil Investment: South Africa’s state energy firms are preparing groundwork for a proposed refinery in Pagak, but conflict risks and difficult terrain continue to complicate the long-delayed project. Mining: South Sudan is moving to overhaul mining laws after 14 years, with proposed changes set for stakeholder review. Business Standards: A renovated national laboratory is expected to cut product certification delays to about one month.

Oil Investment: South Africa is pressing ahead with a long-delayed refinery project in Pagak, but conflict, difficult terrain and unexploded ordnance complicate plans for a 60,000-barrel-a-day facility. The project’s next step is reconnaissance for seismic surveys in the Jonglei Sub-Basin. Foreign Trade: South Sudan’s foreign ministry says there is no national order for foreign traders to leave, after Juba County moved to reserve small-scale retail for locals. Uganda has urged Juba to respect East African Community trade commitments, while accepting its right to regulate businesses. Mining and Revenue: The government is moving to overhaul mining laws after 14 years, and the Tax Authority has set October 15 as the deadline for outstanding payments. Juba City Council is also discussing a digital revenue system. Regional Markets: South Sudan has joined EAC Codex talks in Kigali, while a new China tariff-free market could open opportunities for South Sudanese products.

Foreign Trade: South Sudan’s Foreign Ministry says there is no national order for foreign traders to leave. The dispute stems from a Juba County directive reserving small-scale retail for locals and steering foreign traders toward wholesale and larger investment. Uganda has urged Juba to protect traders’ interests and respect East African Community commitments. Digital Payments: The Trade Ministry and MTN are discussing restoring Mobile Money services, a key step for businesses and customers facing limited digital payment options. Mining Reform: The government is moving to overhaul mining laws that have been in place for 14 years. Market Access: Rehabilitation has begun on the Magwi–Palotaka–Palwar road, expected to help farmers get produce to market and improve local trade.

Trade Tensions: South Sudan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry says no order has been issued for foreigners to leave, after Juba County urged them to exit small-scale retail. Uganda has called for fair treatment of its traders and respect for the EAC common market. Tax Deadline: Businesses have until October 15 to file returns and clear outstanding tax bills, the Revenue Authority says, warning unregistered firms they risk penalties. Digital Payments: The Trade Ministry and MTN have discussed reopening Mobile Money services, which businesses rely on for transactions. Product Standards: An upgraded Juba laboratory is expected to cut product-certification delays from two to three months to about one month, helping local firms test goods at home. Market Access: Rehabilitation has begun on the long-awaited Magwi–Palotaka–Palwar road, which should make it easier for farmers to move produce to market.

Mobile Money: The government and MTN are discussing how to restore MoMo transactions, with officials also promising to address connectivity problems that affect businesses and customers. Foreign Retail Trade: Juba County Commissioner Kalisto Lado denied ordering foreigners to leave Juba, but said small-scale retail should be reserved for South Sudanese, with foreign traders encouraged to focus on wholesale and larger investments. Uganda has urged South Sudan to protect its traders’ lawful businesses. Tax Compliance: The Revenue Authority set October 15 as the deadline for businesses to file returns and clear outstanding liabilities, warning that unregistered firms could face penalties. Trade Standards: An upgraded standards laboratory in Juba is expected to cut product certification delays from two to three months to about one month, helping local goods reach markets faster. Roads and Markets: Rehabilitation has begun on the long-awaited Magwi–Palotaka–Palwar road, a key route expected to help farmers move produce to market.

Tax Compliance: The South Sudan Revenue Authority has set October 15 as the deadline for businesses to file returns and clear outstanding taxes, warning that unregistered firms without a Tax Identification Number risk penalties. Juba Revenue Reform: Juba City Council is considering digital revenue collection to reduce leakages and fund services including roads, sanitation and markets. Trade and Standards: A renovated Juba laboratory is expected to cut product-certification delays from two to three months to about one. South Sudan is also taking part in EAC talks on shared food-safety standards, which could support regional trade. Foreign Retailers: Juba County says foreign investors can operate in South Sudan but should focus on wholesale and larger investments, not small-scale retail. Uganda has urged South Sudan to protect lawful businesses and respect EAC rules, as traders report uncertainty. Mining Investment: The government has begun reviewing mining laws and regulations after 14 years, aiming to address gaps in the sector’s framework.

Regional Trade: Uganda urged Juba to protect its traders after Juba County Commissioner Kalisto Ladu said foreigners should leave small-scale retail to South Sudanese and focus on wholesale and larger investments. He denied ordering foreigners to leave the country; Uganda called for concerns to be handled without discrimination through bilateral or regional channels. Mining Reform: The government has begun reviewing mining laws and regulations introduced 14 years ago, aiming to address governance gaps and update the sector’s policy and strategy. Investment: South Sudan and Pakistan discussed cooperation in sugar, pharmaceuticals and industry. Separately, the Petroleum Ministry’s investment memorandum with UAE-based Bianchi Gold covers exploration, refining and infrastructure. Trade and Infrastructure: China’s zero-tariff market access offers a potential opening for South Sudanese exports, while officials are working on a legal framework for a dedicated road maintenance fund. Agriculture: The World Bank warned that El Niño-related heat and rainfall disruption could reduce crop yields in South Sudan and neighboring countries.

UAE Oil Deal: South Sudan signed a strategic investment memorandum with UAE-based Bianchi Gold Trading Investment Company to expand petroleum exploration, infrastructure, refining, storage and capacity building. Retail Crackdown Fallout: Juba County caretaker commissioner Kalisto Ladu denied any “seven-day ultimatum” to expel foreigners, but reiterated that small-scale retail (chapati, onions, tomatoes, boda bodas) should be reserved for South Sudanese while foreigners focus on wholesale and bigger investments—fueling fresh uncertainty among Ugandan and Kenyan traders. Roads Funding Push: The National Ministry of Roads and Bridges moved to set up a Roads Maintenance Fund, reviewing a bill needing presidential signature, alongside bridge and highway contracting plans. Mining Overhaul: A Juba workshop reviewed and validated reforms to South Sudan’s mining policy, 2026–2030 strategic plan, and amendments to the Mining Act and mineral title regulations. Humanitarian Pressure: WFP warned food stocks are collapsing for refugees and vulnerable people, with more than a million at risk of losing life-saving assistance; meanwhile, South Sudan’s aid crisis is deepening amid conflict and dry conditions. Teachers and Health Strain: Rural schools struggle to retain teachers due to housing, insecurity and unpaid gaps, while only 11% of health facilities are highly functional and the health response plan remains underfunded. Dangote Refinery Momentum: Dangote says the $16bn East Africa refinery in Lamu will be delivered in 40 months, with 30% equity offered to East African countries—boosting regional energy and trade expectations.

Foreign Retail Crackdown: Juba County caretaker commissioner Kalisto Ladu warned foreign traders to stop small-scale retail (chapati stalls, onions/tomatoes, boda boda, charcoal) and said retail is reserved for South Sudanese, while foreigners should focus on wholesale and company investments; traders say they received verbal notices and want clarity on enforcement. Trade & Regional Politics: South Sudan and Kenya renewed commitments on trade and regional infrastructure after talks in Nairobi, with Kenya’s President William Ruto reaffirming support for the December 2026 elections and pointing to the Dangote East Africa refinery launch in Lamu as a cooperation boost. Election Readiness: South Sudan says it has completed legal steps for the December polls and is pushing inter-party dialogue for consensus, while Central Equatoria’s caretaker governor ordered ministers to protect public resources and prepare for peaceful, credible voting. Food & Health Pressure: The World Bank warns El Niño could cut crop yields across South Sudan and the region, while humanitarian reporting highlights conflict and dry conditions affecting hundreds of thousands and only 11% of health facilities are highly functional; the survival minimum expenditure basket fell 10% in September but remains high. Banking & Cash: The Trade Ministry urged commercial banks to form a banking union and accelerate digital banking amid a severe South Sudanese Pound cash shortage disrupting withdrawals and trade.

Food Prices & Cost of Living: The Multi-Sector Survival Minimum Expenditure Basket for a six-person household fell 10% in September to 804,633 SSP, driven by lower food and non-food prices, though market constraints remain. Humanitarian Crisis: Conflict and prolonged dry conditions are worsening food insecurity, with Warrap reporting over 210,000 people needing aid and drought hitting nearly 1.3 million in Northern Bahr el Ghazal. Health System Strain: Only 11% of supported health facilities are highly functional; the health response plan is 47% funded with a 53% funding gap. Elections & Governance: South Sudan says it has completed legal steps for the 22 December 2026 polls; Kenya’s Ruto pledged support and urged dialogue. Trade & Finance: The Trade Ministry urged banks to form a banking union and accelerate digital banking as the South Sudanese Pound cash shortage disrupts withdrawals and trade. Refugees’ Rights: Refugees in settlements like Gorom want easier movement and recognition of documents, plus better access to services. Local Business & Security: Traders in Morobo want caretaker leadership to prioritize security to protect goods and revive cross-border commerce.

Dangote Refinery Finance: Kenya’s Capital Markets Authority approved eligible investors to join Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals’ IPO via GDRs, with the IPO running Sept 14–Oct 13 and a possible Nairobi Securities Exchange listing after Nigeria’s regulator approvals. Trade & Payments: South Sudan’s Trade Ministry urged commercial banks to form a banking union and accelerate digital banking as a shortage of South Sudanese Pound notes continues to disrupt withdrawals and trade. China Market Access: China’s expanded zero-tariff policy (from May 1) could open more opportunities for South Sudanese goods entering China, provided rules of origin are met. Manufacturing Support: The Association of South Sudan Manufacturers backed renovation of the Ministry of Trade and Industry compound in Juba, aiming for better working conditions for the private sector. Food Security & Jobs: A cassava flour processing project launched in Wau (funded with support from Norway through LAST) targets lower prices and improved local food security. Local Business Climate: Morobo traders urged the new caretaker commissioner to prioritize security to protect goods and revive cross-border commerce. Education Pressure in Yei: Teachers in Yei River County demanded better pay and conditions, citing months of delayed salaries and rising attrition from the profession. Elections & Civic Space: Civil society groups called for inclusive dialogue and protection of constitutional freedoms ahead of the Dec 22, 2026 elections, warning gaps remain in preparedness.

Morobo County Leadership Test: Isaac Moro Johnson Lupai was sworn in as Caretaker Commissioner for Morobo, Central Equatoria, with security and humanitarian pressures expected to define his early performance. Food Processing & Self-Reliance: A cassava flour processing project was launched in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal, aiming to cut food insecurity and lower prices using locally grown crops. Elections & Civic Space: President Salva Kiir traveled to Kenya for talks with President William Ruto on elections and regional stability, while civil society groups urged protection of constitutional freedoms and transparency ahead of the December 22, 2026 vote. Oil Sector Under Strain: South Sudan’s Petroleum Ministry reviewed ways to attract investment and raise output, as officials warned that Sudan’s war continues to disrupt crude exports through Port Sudan. Governance & Accountability: The Relief and Rehabilitation Commission urged 32 EU-grant CSOs to strengthen transparency and inclusive participation, as CORWADO reviewed programme quality and strategy in Juba. Regional Trade & Costs: Piracy in the western Indian Ocean has hijacked six ships since April, threatening higher import costs for Kenya and landlocked neighbors like South Sudan. Health Preparedness: Western Equatoria stepped up readiness for Bundibugyo virus disease after a cross-border risk assessment with health partners.