AGP Executive Report

Ebola & Cross-Border Trade: WHO chief Tedros praised Uganda’s Ebola response but urged easing border restrictions, warning they hurt the economy as DRC cases rise and travel rules tighten across the region. Mining & Regulation: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil approved new draft mining regulations to license and monitor artisanal mining, with tighter environmental oversight. Banking & Co-ops: Co-operative Bank of South Sudan hosted a Northern Bahr el Ghazal forum to strengthen co-operatives for food security, market access and jobs, tied to IFAD/UNDP support. Youth, Jobs & Food Security: Farmers in Yei River County renewed calls for tools, storage and transport support to boost production amid rising food insecurity, while the Yei commissioner pushed for fair employment practices and local youth inclusion. Governance & Data: UNDP and AfDB handed over 72 computers to government institutions to improve economic governance and evidence-based policymaking. Urban Business Compliance: A lawyer demanded police and Juba City Council summon hotel and nightclub owners over reports of minors entering venues, citing a decree banning under-18 entry. Infrastructure: Wau airport upgrade kicked off with a new control tower and terminals expected in 7–8 months, alongside radar and air-traffic checks. Energy & Trade Links: Japan received its first crude shipments from Alaska and South Sudan since Strait of Hormuz disruptions, highlighting how global shipping shocks can reshape regional supply chains.

Ebola & Cross-Border Trade: The WHO chief, Tedros Ghebreyesus, praised Uganda’s Ebola response after visiting Kampala, saying Uganda’s case fatality rate is below 1% and warning that mass gatherings can accelerate spread—while the wider region faces tighter travel rules that hit commerce. Humanitarian Cost of Conflict: The International Rescue Committee warned that the Iran war is worsening displacement and food insecurity, with disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz raising fuel and transport costs. Food Security Pressure: FAO says Somalia faces a “triple threat” of drought, possible El Niño flooding, and Middle East-linked economic shocks driving inflation and higher fuel prices, threatening market stability. South Sudan Governance & Health Support: UNDP and AfDB handed over 72 computers to South Sudan’s government institutions to strengthen economic governance and planning, while Nilepet donated hygiene and sanitation supplies to Juba Teaching Hospital. Local Economy & Jobs: Yei’s commissioner urged fair employment practices and youth inclusion, and farmers in Yei called for more support—tools, storage, and transport—to boost food production. Oil Transparency Push: CEPO’s Edmund Yakani demanded disclosure of oil revenue figures, arguing production alone isn’t enough for accountability. Aviation & Infrastructure: South Sudan launched a major upgrade of Wau airport, including new control tower and terminals expected within 7–8 months.

Airport & Infrastructure: South Sudan’s Wau Regional Airport is getting a major upgrade, with a new control tower and passenger terminals expected to be finished in 7–8 months, alongside checks on radar and air-traffic systems. Local Revenue & Services: Juba City Council moved to enact a Property Tax Bill, saying it will unlock funding for road maintenance, sanitation and public security. Oil Sector Accountability: Civil society activist Edmund Yakani urged the Ministry of Petroleum to disclose oil export revenue, not just production figures, and push earnings into productive sectors like agriculture. Digital Finance for SMEs: DigiCash and Inkomoko launched a partnership to expand mobile financial services for small businesses, targeting cash shortages by enabling payments and loan access via mobile wallets and retail outlets. Health & Trade Disruption Risk: Ebola-related travel and screening measures across the region are tightening, with traders reporting losses as border controls slow cargo flows—an added risk for South Sudan’s cross-border commerce. Corporate Social Support: Nilepet donated hygiene and sanitation supplies to Juba Teaching Hospital to support infection prevention and waste management.

Detentions and justice: Aweil East County Youth Union in Juba has petitioned President Salva Kiir to release three former senior officials—Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel Kuol, Garang Majak Bol and Deng Lual Wol—detained for months without charge or due process. Oil sector accountability: Civil society activist Edmund Yakani (CEPO) urged the Ministry of Petroleum to disclose oil-revenue figures, not just production, after crude output rose to 174,000 bpd. Digital finance for SMEs: DigiCash and Inkomoko launched a partnership to expand mobile-based loans, payments and transfers for small businesses amid cash shortages, starting with about 2,800 firms in Juba and Bor. Banking and co-ops: Co-operative Bank of South Sudan hosted a forum for 41 co-operative societies in Northern Bahr el Ghazal to strengthen governance and agribusiness skills, while Standard Bank East Africa reiterated plans to grow across the region including South Sudan. Local revenue drive: Juba City Council moved to enact a Property Tax Bill to fund services like roads, sanitation and security. Ebola and trade disruption: With Ebola fears rising in the region, Uganda’s border closures have left traders reporting major losses, while Mauritius and the UAE tightened entry rules—raising cross-border business uncertainty for South Sudanese travelers and commerce. Health system support: Juba Teaching Hospital’s director called for more support for poor patients as private donations target cleanliness and waste management.

Ebola Border Shock: Mauritius temporarily banned entry for foreigners who traveled from or transited through DRC, Uganda or South Sudan in the last 21 days, while allowing residents and citizens but requiring a mandatory 21-day quarantine—another sign of how the outbreak is disrupting regional mobility and business travel. Cross-Border Trade Hit: Uganda’s closure of the Congo border over Ebola fears left traders with rotting cargo and mounting losses at Mpondwe, showing how health controls quickly become economic pain points for transport-dependent traders. US Funding Boost: The U.S. added nearly $38m to its Ebola response, bringing direct support to over $200m, focused on screening, contact tracing, treatment and public awareness across DRC and Uganda (South Sudan says it has no cases). Oil Sector Labour Tension: Oil workers’ unions in South Sudan urged suspension of a National Social Insurance Fund directive, arguing legal steps like a Board of Trustees and published contribution rates were not followed. Digital Finance Push: DigiCash and Inkomoko partnered to expand mobile financial services for small businesses, aiming to reduce cash shortages by enabling payments and loan access via mobile wallets. Co-op Banking Growth: Co-operative Bank of South Sudan hosted a forum for 41 co-operative societies to strengthen governance and agribusiness skills, targeting better access to affordable financing. Transport & Trade Routes: Upper Nile Governor James Koang Chuol pledged to reopen the Sobat River route through dialogue, aiming to boost trade and movement of goods. Regional Finance Ambition: Standard Bank East Africa said it wants to double earnings and grow its client base across markets including South Sudan by 2030.

Digital Finance Push: DigiCash and Inkomoko partnered to expand mobile money access for small businesses, letting entrepreneurs receive loans, pay bills and transfer funds electronically while using 3,000 retail outlets to withdraw cash. Oil Sector & Social Insurance: Oil workers’ unions at DPOC, GPOC and SPOC urged the government to suspend a National Social Insurance Fund directive, saying legal steps under the NSIF Act 2023 were not followed. Co-op Banking Drive: Co-operative Bank South Sudan hosted a forum for 41 co-operative societies in Northern Bahr el Ghazal to strengthen governance, financial management and agribusiness skills. Trade Disruption from Ebola Fears: Uganda’s closure of the Congo border over Ebola concerns left traders facing major losses as cargo queues grew and goods risked spoiling. Ebola Funding & Travel Curbs: The US announced nearly $38m more for Ebola response in DRC and Uganda, while DRC officials condemned travel bans as discriminatory—raising uncertainty for regional commerce and mobility. Transport & Livelihoods: Upper Nile Governor James Koang pledged dialogue over military action to reopen the Sobat River route, aiming to boost trade and move goods.

Ebola and trade shocks: Uganda tightened Ebola-linked border controls with DR Congo, leaving traders at Mpondwe stuck in long queues and consignments “rotting,” while Mauritius also imposed a temporary entry ban and quarantine rules for travelers from DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. Banking for grassroots growth: Co-operative Bank of South Sudan hosted a forum in Aweil bringing together 41 co-operative societies to strengthen governance, financial management, agribusiness and entrepreneurship—aimed at expanding access to affordable financing. Oil output lift: Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC) hit 60,158 barrels per day by May 29, the highest since 2005, supported by field development, residual recovery studies and infrastructure upgrades. Food security push: South Sudan’s agriculture leaders renewed commitments to shift farmers from subsistence to commercial production, attract private investment and use climate-smart methods—while security remains a key constraint. Regional ties: South Sudan’s deputy mission said Ethiopia remains a key partner, with cooperation focused on transport and energy corridors. Elections readiness: Over 3,000 police recruits began election security training in Juba ahead of the December 2026 polls. Governance capacity: UNDP and AfDB handed ICT equipment to South Sudan’s finance and planning bodies to improve data-driven economic governance.

Oil & Industry: GPOC hit its highest crude output in nearly two decades, reaching 60,158 barrels per day as of May 29, a boost credited to residual recovery studies, new drilling and oilfield upgrades—good news for South Sudan’s revenue and foreign exchange. Economic Governance: UNDP and AfDB handed over ICT equipment to the Ministry of Finance and Planning, TNLA finance bodies and the Bank of South Sudan to strengthen data-driven economic planning and oversight. Agriculture & Food Security: Agriculture Minister Clement Juma and Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil renewed commitments to shift farmers from subsistence to commercial production, backed by private investment and climate-smart farming, while security remains a key constraint. Public Finance Transparency: Western Equatoria State moved to strengthen accountability after meeting the National Audit Chamber, following the signing of the National Audit Chamber Amendment Act 2026. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: South Sudan’s Deputy Head of Mission in Ethiopia said both countries want to deepen cooperation, while Ethiopia launched a four-day diplomatic training program for South Sudanese diplomats in Addis Ababa. Elections & Security: Over 3,000 police recruits started election security training in Juba ahead of the December 2026 polls. Trade & Livelihoods: A report from a refugee settlement highlights how people are selling parts of aid rations marked “Not for sale” as cash collapses, underscoring the economic strain on displaced families.

Oil Sector Update: South Sudan’s Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC) says crude output has jumped to 60,158 barrels per day, up from about 40,000 bpd, as production rises in Unity State blocks 1–4—prompting President Salva Kiir to urge stability in the fields and continued efforts to lift output. Urban Development: The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development announced a nationwide urban modernization initiative launching June 9, starting in Juba and expanding to other cities, coordinated with the World Bank. Mining Regulation: South Sudan’s Mining Minister told a visiting Sudanese gold investor that foreign firms must comply with national mining laws, safe practices, and rules aimed at transparency and community benefits. Ebola Preparedness (Regional): EAC health ministers agreed to harmonize Ebola surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports and land borders, with mobile labs deployed across partner states including South Sudan. Elections Admin: The Political Parties Council set June 30, 2026 as the final deadline for parties to register to contest the 2026 general elections. Business & Trade Finance: ITC and Equity partnered to unlock trade finance for coffee, leather and creative industries in East Africa, with potential spillovers for regional commerce.

Ebola Response & Trade/Travel: EAC health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports and land borders, setting up a regional technical taskforce to coordinate the response as cases in the region keep rising. Mining & Investment Rules: South Sudan’s Ministry of Mining told foreign investors in Juba to comply with national mining laws, safe mining practices and regulations, even as interest in the sector grows. Urban Growth Plan: The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development announced a nationwide urban modernization initiative launching June 9, starting in Juba and expanding to other cities with support from the World Bank. Oil Production Boost: Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC) raised output to 60,158 barrels per day in Unity State, citing progress in blocks 1–4 despite decline pressures in mature fields. Elections & Political Parties: The Political Parties Council set June 30, 2026 as the cut-off for parties to register to contest the 2026 general elections. US Visa Halt (Business Impact): The US temporarily paused visa services for South Sudan, DR Congo and Uganda due to the Ebola outbreak, affecting both immigrant and nonimmigrant processing. Local Youth & Sports: Yambio County elected a leadership committee to organise the 2026 inter-area football tournament, calling for youth participation and community support.

Ebola & Travel Policy: The WHO urged countries to lift recent travel restrictions tied to the Ebola outbreak in the DRC, after Canada introduced visa pauses and a 21-day self-isolation rule for arrivals from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan—while the outbreak continues to spread. US Visa Moves: The US temporarily halted visa services at its embassies in South Sudan, DRC and Uganda, citing Ebola risk; existing visas remain valid but new appointments are paused. Elections Deadline: South Sudan’s Political Parties Council set 30 June 2026 as the cut-off for parties to register to contest the 2026 general elections. Sanctions Pushback: The South Sudan government rejected US remarks at the UN Security Council and renewed its call to lift sanctions and the arms embargo. Education Results: The Ministry of General Education released 2025 CSE results, reporting an 80.7% overall pass rate. Media & AI: South Sudan’s Media Authority urged journalists to use AI responsibly, verify AI-generated content, and invest in newsroom skills and infrastructure. Trade Finance Deal: ITC and Equity Group signed an MoU to unlock trade finance for coffee, leather and creative industries across East Africa, with Equity banking subsidiaries including South Sudan.

US–South Sudan Sanctions: South Sudan’s government rejected fresh US remarks at the UN Security Council, defending President Salva Kiir’s leadership and renewing calls to lift sanctions and the arms embargo. Ebola & Travel/Business Disruption: The US temporarily paused visa services at its embassies in South Sudan, DR Congo and Uganda, citing the Ebola outbreak; the move affects business travel, students and other visitors. Media & Skills: South Sudan’s Media Authority urged journalists to use AI responsibly—verifying AI content and investing in newsroom training and digital infrastructure. Education: The Ministry of General Education released the 2025 Certificate of Secondary Education results, reporting an 80.7% pass rate. Aviation & Trade: South Supreme Airlines clarified it has not resumed commercial flights, saying its aircraft is still under maintenance and technical procedures. Food Security Pressure: UN agencies warned 7.2 million people in South Sudan urgently need food assistance as funding gaps tighten the humanitarian response.

Ebola Border Alert: South Sudan’s police and health authorities have urged tighter vigilance at borders as anxiety grows over Ebola spread from eastern DRC and Uganda, with calls to stop illegal crossings and strengthen monitoring. Healthcare & Tech Support: MTN South Sudan launched its Yellow Care campaign with Juba Teaching Hospital, including solarisation of the neonatal ward, repair of the CT scanner, and SMS/voice health messaging for mothers. Public Finance Oversight: South Sudan’s parliament speaker Joseph Ngere Paciko launched a staff screening exercise to clean up workforce records, verify appointments, and tackle payroll irregularities. Refugee Returns: South Sudanese refugees in Uganda say more young people are voluntarily returning home, only to face food shortages, unemployment and insecurity—prompting some to come back to camps. Local Business & Jobs: A Torit County youth and women’s empowerment programme supported over 100 families with startup equipment and training, helping cooperatives run grain grinding, tailoring, bakery and ICT activities. Regional Trade Finance: ITC and Equity Group signed an MoU to expand access to finance and trade expertise for coffee, leather and creative businesses across East Africa, starting with Kenya. Infrastructure Pipeline: Kenya’s plan to upgrade the Mau Summit–Eldoret–Malaba corridor gained momentum after AIIB financing for a feasibility study, aimed at boosting the Northern Corridor.

Healthcare & Tech: MTN South Sudan says it will repair the CT scanner at Juba Teaching Hospital and add solar power for the neonatal ward, alongside voice/SMS health messaging for mothers—aimed at cutting diagnostic costs and improving maternal and child care. Public Finance & Governance: South Sudan’s parliament has begun a workforce screening to fix payroll irregularities, verify staff appointments and employment status, and build an accurate headcount across departments. Health & Community Resilience: Yei River County launched a mosquito net campaign targeting more than 227,700 people to curb malaria, with distribution teams trained for transparent household coverage. Business & Jobs: A youth and women’s empowerment programme in Torit County is helping over 100 families earn income through small businesses, supported by startup equipment and skills training funded via KOICA/UNDP. Regional Trade & Investment: South Sudan’s push for stronger partnership with the African Development Bank is in focus as leaders seek financing for development priorities. Ebola Watch (Regional Impact): The wider Central Africa Ebola situation remains a major business risk for the region, with WHO and Africa CDC reporting high suspected case numbers and renewed calls for community-led response and smarter travel measures. Sanctions Debate: South Sudan’s government defended its peace progress while urging the U.S. to shift from sanctions and the arms embargo toward partnership.

Ebola & Cross-Border Trade: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya says travel bans over the Bundibugyo Ebola strain are undermining transparency and slowing response, warning that intense movement between DRC, Uganda and South Sudan could fuel spread; he also flags no licensed vaccine yet and calls for faster, better-funded regional coordination. Regional Health Response: East African Community health ministers meet in an emergency virtual session to coordinate surveillance, labs, infection control and risk communication as suspected cases in DRC and Uganda top 1,100. South Sudan-US Sanctions: South Sudan rejects U.S. criticism of its political leadership and renews its call to lift UN sanctions and the arms embargo, arguing they hinder the 2018 peace deal and state-building. Aviation & Safety Oversight: South Supreme Airlines is not cleared to resume flights; the Civil Aviation Authority says it only allowed access to grounded assets while safety concerns remain unresolved. Business Climate: The Trade and Industry Ministry consults businesses on high taxation, FX instability, border/customs delays, unreliable electricity and counterfeit goods—collecting recommendations to improve the private sector environment. Mining & Community Rights: A Juba workshop warns weak mining regulation can drive environmental damage, displacement and livelihood loss, urging stronger community participation and safeguards. Oil Sector Reforms: A South Sudan oil executive profile highlights reforms aimed at boosting production and economic recovery.

Aviation & Safety: South Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authority says South Supreme Airlines is still not cleared to resume flights, only allowed to access grounded assets while safety issues are addressed. Ebola & Regional Trade: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya warns that lack of licensed vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain and heavy cross-border movement—including links involving South Sudan—could fuel wider spread; EAC health ministers are meeting to coordinate a regional response. Diplomacy & Business Links: South Korea hosted the first Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Seoul, with ministers pushing closer cooperation on supply chains, energy and food security. Mining & Communities: A Juba workshop urged stronger mining regulation to prevent environmental damage, displacement and rights abuses. UN Peacekeeping Funding: UNMISS says budget pressures are forcing base closures and reduced personnel despite ongoing insecurity. Accountability & Oil: South Sudan’s Block 5A war crimes trial in Sweden has wrapped up, with defense seeking large compensation if acquitted.