AGP Executive Report

Insurance & Finance: Old Mutual CEO Arthur Oginga says price undercutting can hurt trust if it comes at the expense of service, while the firm also moves to dispose of poorly performing real estate holdings. South Sudan Budget & Governance: Central Equatoria approved a draft 2026-2027 budget of SSP 108.2 billion, aiming at transparency, better public services, and stability during the election period. Tax & Telecom Revenue: An editorial urges the South Sudan Revenue Authority to make tax collection more transparent, including pushing digital payments to cut fraud; meanwhile, the Economic Reform Committee says telecom operators (Zain, MTN, Digitel) must pay taxes in cash. Trade & Infrastructure: South Sudan and Kenya agree to mobilise resources for the Juba–Torit–Nadapal highway to cut transport costs and improve access to Mombasa port. Aviation Connectivity: IOM and government validated designs to rehabilitate airstrips in Jonglei and Greater Pibor to improve movement of people and humanitarian supplies. Elections Funding: The AU urged donors to close a funding gap for South Sudan’s December elections, with October set as a deadline for contributions. ICT & Partnerships: South Sudan’s ICT minister met Huawei’s VP in Hangzhou to expand e-governance and “smart city” plans. Business Skills & Media: MTN’s Pan-African Media Innovation Programme welcomed its first cohort, including South Sudanese journalists, to strengthen digital-era journalism. Public Health & Climate Risk: UNICEF warns El Niño could endanger 162m children across Eastern and Southern Africa, with South Sudan facing drought, heat, and flooding risks.

Oil & Trade: Uganda named its new crude blend “Pearl Sweet,” a low-sulphur grade tied to its planned end-2026 production, with plateau output projected around 230,000 barrels per day—potentially reshaping East Africa’s oil balance against South Sudan. Elections Funding: The African Union urged donors to close South Sudan’s election funding gap, saying about $250m is needed for the Dec. 22 vote while the government has provided only about $27m. Peace Process: The AU Peace and Security Council renewed calls for South Sudan’s leaders to resume direct political dialogue without preconditions and to speed up key transitional benchmarks, including the Hybrid Court and unified forces. Transport & Markets: South Sudan and Kenya agreed to mobilise resources for the Juba–Torit–Nadapal highway to cut transport costs and improve access to the Port of Mombasa. Fuel Prices & Business Costs: South Sudan’s economic reform committee recommended further fuel price reductions and pushed telecom operators to pay taxes in cash. Food Security & Climate Risk: UNICEF warned El Niño-linked drought, heat and flooding could endanger 162m children across eastern and southern Africa, with South Sudan facing worsening food insecurity and malnutrition. Health & Regulation: South Sudan’s drug regulator recalled Duphaston and Navidoxine over quality and safety concerns, especially for pregnant women. Digital Economy: MTN, the University of Johannesburg and TAEF launched the MTN Pan-African Media Innovation Programme, starting with a South Sudan-linked cohort of media practitioners. Public Safety: Police urged communities to help fight tramadol and other drug abuse among children through community policing.

Climate & Food Security: UNICEF warns 162+ million children across eastern and southern Africa face worsening El Niño impacts, with drought, extreme heat and flooding threatening nutrition, health, schooling and safe water—South Sudan is named among the most at-risk countries. Humanitarian Funding: IOM says 187,000 displaced people in Bentiu and Malakal could lose clean water, sanitation and flood protection unless $8.35m is secured for services from Dec 2026 to Dec 2027. Trade & Investment: South Sudan is urged to speed up EAC commitments and use integration gains to become an East African trade and investment hub, with focus on customs reforms and the Nimule–Elegu one-stop border post. Transport Infrastructure: South Sudan and Kenya agree to mobilise resources for the Juba–Torit–Kapoeta–Nadapal highway, a key route linking to the Lamu corridor. Telecom & Revenue: The Economic Reform Committee orders MTN, Zain and Digitel to pay government revenue in cash, while also moving to address rising prices. Health & Regulation: DFCA orders recall of Duphaston and Navidoxine over safety and quality concerns, especially for pregnant women. Community Safety: Police urge communities to help curb tramadol and other drug abuse among children. Cross-Border Care: A new cross-border pathway is helping South Sudanese infants with hydrocephalus reach neurosurgery in Uganda ahead of World Hydrocephalus Day. Oil Sector: A new push to reset South Sudan’s petroleum direction highlights efforts to raise production, improve recovery and attract investment.

Telecom Cash-Calls: South Sudan’s Economic Reform Committee has ordered MTN, Zain and Digitel to remit their government revenue share in cash, while also moving to tighten revenue collection and end unlawful tax exemptions. Internet Costs: An opinion piece questions why internet tariffs jumped about 15% as households struggle, pointing to the role of the Ministry of Information, Communications and Postal Services. Corruption Detentions: Government spokesperson Ateny Wek Ateny says four alleged corruption detainees were released on “strong bail” for medical treatment abroad, while investigations continue. Fraud Documents: Ateny also dismissed two online documents as fake and malicious, including claims about a $15 million payment and a company-linked appointment. Cash Liquidity Pressure: Civil society activist Edmond Yakani challenges the Economic Reform Committee over where SSP liquidity went, despite reported gains in non-oil revenue. Humanitarian Funding Gap: IOM warns 187,000 displaced people in Bentiu and Malakal face service disruption from November without $8.35m for water, sanitation and flood protection. Elections & Peace: The US says any South Sudan elections should be peaceful and funded with domestic public resources, while recognizing the country’s sovereign timing. Politics: Kornelio Kon Ngu declares he will challenge President Salva Kiir in the December 2026 election. Business & Skills: Upper Nile University partners with Premium Agro Consult to overhaul agriculture training toward practical, business-focused skills. Energy & Trade: East Africa’s fuel hub race intensifies as Kenya’s Lamu refinery plans and the Tanga energy hub compete for regional investment and logistics roles. Transport for Traders: Traders in Yei report high transport costs and currency swings still squeezing profits despite some food price drops. Inclusive Sports: SSFF pledges support for Deaf Football Development, aiming to build a nationwide program and improve coaching, equipment and access to grounds.

US–Sudan Sanctions: The US is pushing the UN Security Council to expand the Darfur-focused sanctions into a nationwide Sudan arms embargo, including drones and tighter monitoring, as the war spreads beyond Darfur. Telecom Cash Payments: South Sudan’s Economic Reform Committee has ordered MTN, Zain and Digitel to pay government revenue in cash, while also moving to stop unlawful tax exemptions. Corruption Claims Response: Government spokesperson Ateny Wek Ateny dismissed two social-media documents as fake and fraudulent, including allegations of a US$15 million influence payment tied to named firms. Medical Bail Releases: Ateny says four alleged corruption detainees were released on “strong bail” for medical treatment abroad, while investigations continue. SSP Liquidity Pressure: Civil society activist Edmond Yakani challenges the High-Level Economic Reform Committee over where SSP cash has gone, despite claims of improved non-oil revenue collection. Elections Funding Message: The US says South Sudan can decide election timing, but expects peaceful conditions and funding from domestic public resources. Petroleum Sector Reset: A profile highlights new Undersecretary of Petroleum Santino Ayuel Longar and the push to raise production, improve recovery, and attract investment. Energy Hub Race: East Africa’s fuel dominance race heats up as Kenya and Tanzania compete on major refinery and regional hub plans. Agribusiness Skills: Upper Nile University revamps agriculture training with Premium Agro Consult, aiming to shift graduates toward agribusiness and practical, digital farming. Transport Costs in Yei: Traders in Yei report high transport costs and currency swings squeezing profits even as some food prices fall. Legal Tech & Trade: South Sudanese lawyers attend the Pan African Lawyers Union conference in Cairo, focusing on AI in justice and AfCFTA legal frameworks. Sports Inclusion: SSFF pledges support for Deaf Football Development, including plans for structured nationwide programs and logistics for talent identification. Urban Planning: A call grows for Juba to create designated public transport parking yards to cut congestion and improve safety.

South Sudan Elections & Governance: The U.S. embassy in Juba says any December 2026 vote is South Sudan’s sovereign decision, but Washington expects peaceful conditions and election funding from domestic public resources. Political Contest: Kornelio Kon Ngu, third deputy speaker, says he will challenge President Salva Kiir in the elections, arguing services and opportunities are overly concentrated in Juba. Cash Crisis: Civil society activist Edmond Yakani challenges the High-Level Economic Reform Committee over where SSP liquidity went, despite claims of improved non-oil revenue collection. Security & Humanitarian Access: CTSAMVM warns insecurity is still high, with abductions, forced recruitment, and attacks along key roads disrupting civilians and aid operations. Roads & Trade Costs: Authorities end weighbridge exemptions for military cargo at Nimule, aiming to protect the Juba–Nimule highway from damage by overloaded trucks. Petroleum Reform Push: A new petroleum undersecretary, Santino Ayuel Longar, is tasked with raising production, improving recovery, attracting investment, and advancing domestic refining. ICT & Procurement Integrity: ICT Minister Ateny Wek Ateny rejects “fake” documents linking Crawford Capital and Capital Pay to state influence, and says he does not know the companies’ owners. Agribusiness Skills: Upper Nile University revamps agriculture training with Premium Agro Consult, shifting students toward practical, business-focused agribusiness skills. Regional Diplomacy: Senior Presidential Envoy Adut Salva Kiir meets Angolan officials in Luanda to deepen cooperation on peace, stability, and development.

Agribusiness Skills Push: Upper Nile University signed an MoU with Premium Agro Consult to overhaul agriculture training toward practical, business-focused education, including demonstration farms, applied research and digital farming—aimed at boosting youth entrepreneurship. Cash Crisis Pressure: Civil society activist Edmond Yakani challenged South Sudan’s High-Level Economic Reform Committee to explain where improved non-oil revenue and SSP collections went, as many civil servants still can’t withdraw cash from commercial banks. Elections Funding & Peace: The U.S. told South Sudan leaders any December 2026 elections must be peaceful and funded with domestic public resources, while stressing Washington won’t impose an election model. ICT Integrity Row: Information Minister Ateny Wek Ateny rejected circulating documents linking Crawford Capital and Capital Pay to state officials, calling them fake and saying he doesn’t know the companies’ owners. Security & Roads: CTSAMVM warned localized violence, abductions and road ambushes continue to disrupt civilians and humanitarian work, while authorities ended weighbridge exemptions for military cargo to protect the Juba–Nimule highway. Land Reform Call: VP Taban Deng urged urgent Juba land policy reforms to unlock loans and investment, arguing insecure tenure blocks collateral-based credit. Education for Growth: South Sudan’s basketball arena plans returned to the agenda after the Bright Stars’ strong FIBA qualifiers, with land and resources to be mobilized. Water Stress in Terekeka: Women in Rijong Payam, Terekeka, say they walk hours for water and rely on traditional hygiene after childbirth due to long distances and dry land. Media & Migration: Journalists were urged to use accurate, dignified language when reporting on migrant workers to avoid stigma and misinformation. Digital Cooperation: ICT Minister Ateny called for stronger China-Africa cooperation on AI and digital governance during a capacity-building conference in Hangzhou.

Media & Migration: South Sudanese journalists were trained to report migrant workers’ rights with accurate, dignified language, after rights groups warned that careless wording can fuel stigma. Governance & Security: Police in Jonglei say the Bor County commissioner’s private residence was burned down by unknown attackers; a manhunt is underway. Roads & Trade: Authorities ended weighbridge exemptions for military cargo at Nimule, saying overloaded trucks are damaging the Juba–Nimule trade corridor. Land & Investment: VP Taban Deng urged urgent Juba land reforms, warning the current tenure system blocks collateral for loans and slows urban development. Diplomacy & Elections: President Kiir returned to Juba after talks in South Africa on the electoral roadmap and economic cooperation ahead of AU engagement. Health & Ebola Risk: WHO says South Sudan is still struggling to end reliance on family blood donors, while agencies warn Ebola could spread from eastern DRC across the border; Uganda’s Ebola outbreak was declared over. Humanitarian & Water: In Terekeka, women in Rijong Payam report walking hours for water, worsening hygiene and childbirth risks. Business & Tech: ICT Minister Ateny called for stronger China-Africa cooperation on AI and digital governance. Sports & Youth: EU and Germany handed over a rehabilitated sports ground in Terekeka, backing sport as a peace and youth skills tool.

South Sudan–Kenya Trade Corridor: South Sudan has ended weighbridge exemptions for military cargo entering via Nimule, tightening load inspections on the Juba–Nimule highway to slow asphalt damage on a key trade route. Land & Investment Climate: VP Taban Deng Gai urged urgent Juba land reforms, saying weak tenure rules block collateral for bank loans and slow urban development. Elections & Diplomacy: President Salva Kiir returned to Juba after a week in South Africa, where talks with Ramaphosa focused on the electoral roadmap and deeper economic ties ahead of AU engagement. Abyei Governance: VP Taban warned that Abyei’s final status can’t be solved by politics alone, stressing enforcement capacity and institutions for any chosen path. Digital Economy: ICT Minister Ateny called for stronger China-Africa cooperation on AI and digital governance to speed up digital development. Public Health & Safety: WHO says South Sudan is still heavily reliant on family blood donors, while Ebola preparedness efforts continue along the border as partners strengthen screening and awareness. Local Services: Juba City Council warned residents against dumping rubbish on roads, saying violators could face legal action.

Water & Health Pressures: In Terekeka’s Rijong Payam, women say they walk up to three hours for water as wells are far and land stays dry in the dry season, forcing some to rely on traditional post-birth hygiene methods and raising illness fears. Healthcare Costs & Family Burden: A South Sudanese mother of quadruplets, Arual Ring Majok, was finally discharged from a Kenyan hospital after months and a KSh 6 million public appeal cleared part of an KSh 8.5 million bill—yet she still cannot bury the fourth baby until the remaining balance is paid. Transport Safety & Trade Risks: Kenya’s Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association issued a new advisory after a reported abduction and assault of a Kenyan driver on the Juba–Wau route, urging truckers to park and suspend loading at key border points. Land Reform for Investment: VP Taban Deng called for urgent Juba land policy reforms so land titles can unlock bank loans and speed urban development. Public Services & Urban Cleanliness: Juba City Council warned residents that dumping rubbish on roads is a crime and said waste collection runs across all 57 quarter councils. Ebola Watch at Borders: WHO and partners are stepping up screening and education in Western Equatoria border areas as Ebola spreads in eastern DRC, while South Sudan reports no cases. Telecom Business Move: MTN’s costly Syria exit settlement clears the way for further African expansion, following years of regulatory and operational setbacks. Infrastructure & Regional Integration: Foreign Affairs Minister James Pitia Morgan heads to an AU security summit in Luanda, while logistics and infrastructure themes keep resurfacing in calls for better roads and investment corridors.

Land & Investment: VP Taban Deng Gai urged urgent Juba land reforms, saying the current tenure system blocks investors and makes it hard to use land titles as bank collateral for loans and urban development. Foreign Policy & Security: South Sudan’s Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. James Pitia Morgan heads to Luanda for an AU summit on conflict prevention and continental security, with focus on early warning, peace operations funding and counter-terror response. Roads & Trade Logistics: Deng also admitted South Sudan’s severe shortage of roads and energy, calling for EAC support to develop key corridors like Juba–Nimule and Juba–Nadapal, and floated PPP road-toll models to attract investors. Transport Safety: Kenya’s LoDDCA issued a new advisory after a reported abduction and assault of a Kenyan driver at the Pilpham Roadblock on the Juba–Wau route, urging trucks to park and cargo loading to pause at key border points. Ebola Preparedness: WHO and partners are stepping up screening and public education in border areas as Ebola risk rises from eastern DRC, while Uganda’s outbreak was declared over and South Sudan reported no cases. Public Health & Food Security: WFP warns that 7.8 million people face acute food insecurity, as drought financing calls grow and Northern Bahr el Ghazal bans sale of humanitarian supplies to curb diversion. Local Governance: Juba City Council warned residents that dumping rubbish on roads is a crime and said waste collection is running across all quarter councils. Finance & Business: SPLM announced a Resource Mobilisation Committee to prepare for elections, while WHO flagged low voluntary blood donations in South Sudan as a growing risk to patients.

Insurance Turnaround: Old Mutual Holdings reported a sharp half-year jump in profit to KES 882 million (up from KES 5 million), driven by improved underwriting discipline and better pricing of medical customer accounts. Regional Health & Borders: WHO and partners declared Uganda’s Ebola outbreak over after 42 days without new cases, but South Sudan remains on alert as agencies warn Ebola could spread from eastern DRC across the border; Canada also extended Ebola-related entry bans for another 30 days, affecting travellers from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan. Ebola Preparedness in South Sudan: Health teams at border crossings in Western Equatoria are screening travellers and training communities as cases in DRC continue to rise. Local Governance & Clean Cities: Juba City Council warned residents that dumping rubbish on streets is a crime, citing health and environmental risks and pointing to organised waste collection across quarter councils. Sports for Peace: EU and Germany handed over a rehabilitated community sports ground in Terekeka, backing sport as a tool for youth skills and peaceful coexistence. Infrastructure & Trade: South Sudan’s VP Taban Deng admitted the country’s severe road and energy gaps and urged investors and the EAC to support key corridors like Juba–Nimule and Juba–Nadapal under PPP models. Oil & Revenue Context: Coverage highlighted South Sudan’s oil resilience as exports resume, but stressed the country’s heavy dependence on oil revenue and the economic stakes of restoring production and logistics.

EAC Education Reform Tracking: Delegates at the 2nd EAC Regional Education Conference in Nairobi pushed for an education implementation compact and a regional scorecard to turn commitments into measurable results over the next two years, with education permanent secretaries meeting at least twice yearly. Ebola Cross-Border Risk: WHO and Africa CDC declared Uganda’s Ebola outbreak over after 42 days without a new confirmed case, but partners warned South Sudan’s border areas remain at risk as Ebola spreads in eastern DRC; health teams are screening travellers and educating communities. Public Health & Services: WHO says South Sudan still relies heavily on family and replacement blood donors, with voluntary donations low, raising risks for patients needing urgent transfusions. Infrastructure & Trade Corridors: VP Taban Deng admitted South Sudan’s severe shortage of roads and energy infrastructure, backing investment in the Juba–Nimule and Juba–Nadapal corridors and hinting at PPP road toll models. Local Governance & Clean Cities: Juba City Council warned residents that dumping rubbish on streets is a crime, citing health and environmental dangers and pointing to shift-based waste collection across quarter councils. Aid Access Under Pressure: Northern Bahr el Ghazal banned the sale of humanitarian supplies in local markets and confiscated Plumpy’Nut and Corn-Soy Blend, aiming to stop diversion. Oil Market Update: Market sources report more South Sudan’s Dar Blend crude returning to marine fuel blending pools in Singapore and Malaysia as China’s demand eases, supporting South Sudan’s oil recovery narrative. Food Security Funding Gap: WFP warned food assistance could be cut for vulnerable refugees and internally displaced people in South Sudan if funding is not secured soon.

Roads & Energy for Trade: South Sudan’s VP Taban Deng admitted the country still lacks roads and energy, urging East African partners to help develop the Juba-Nimule and Juba-Nadapal corridors and pushing a public-private partnership model for road tolls. Humanitarian Supply Controls: Northern Bahr el Ghazal banned the sale of humanitarian aid in local markets, confiscating Plumpy’Nut and Corn-Soy Blend and warning sellers and buyers could face accountability. Food Security Funding Gap: WFP warned food assistance could end after September for about 240,000 vulnerable refugees and later for 180,000 internally displaced people unless urgent funding arrives. Oil Market Signals: South Sudan’s Dar Blend crude is returning to marine fuel blending pools in Singapore and Malaysia as China’s demand eases, highlighting both recovery and the country’s heavy fiscal dependence on oil. Digital Payments Push: Bank of South Sudan and the UK ambassador discussed accelerating digital payments, strengthening the banking sector, and improving oversight to ensure public money is traceable. Diplomacy for Stability: Germany, Japan, Norway and the US urged urgent inter-party dialogue and an end to violence, linking better security and accountability to private investment. Transport & Trade Infrastructure: The transport minister said South Sudan is preparing policy and bills to turn the country into a regional logistics hub, including work around the LAPSSET corridor. Political Party Prep: SPLM announced a Resource Mobilisation Committee ahead of elections, while a new PUF office opened in Torit to push youth and women into politics. Bilateral Talks: South Sudan President Salva Kiir met South Africa’s Ramaphosa in Pretoria to review electoral timelines, dialogue, and economic ties.

Humanitarian Accountability: Northern Bahr el Ghazal State has banned the sale of humanitarian supplies in local markets, with the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission saying it has already confiscated 3,082 sachets of Plumpy’Nut and 61 packages of Corn-Soy Blend, warning that diversion will be punished. Political Finance: The SPLM has launched a Resource Mobilisation Committee to raise voluntary funding and support ahead of South Sudan’s first general elections. Digital Payments Debate: Bank of South Sudan and the British ambassador discussed accelerating digital payments, but an op-ed stresses the real test is whether systems improve oversight and make public money harder to misuse. Oil Market Signals: More South Sudan’s Dar Blend crude has returned to marine fuel blending pools in Singapore and Malaysia as China’s demand eased, a sign of resilience as the sector rebuilds after disruption. Transport & Trade Push: The Transport Minister says South Sudan is working to become a regional logistics hub, while the Roads and Bridges Minister calls for investor support to fix the Juba–Nimule road and expand tarmacked routes. Food Aid Funding: Japan and WFP signed a $2.2m deal to deliver lifesaving food and nutrition assistance to nearly 40,000 women and children across South Sudan. Diplomatic Pressure for Dialogue: Germany, Japan, Norway and the US urged urgent inter-party dialogue and an end to violence, linking peace to better security and accountability for private investment.

Digital Payments Push: Bank of South Sudan Governor Dr. Addis Ababa Othow met UK Ambassador David Ashley to discuss monetary policy, banking-sector strengthening, the National Payment System, and faster rollout of IFMIS—plus working with telecoms and mobile money operators to expand digital payments, with a key focus on restoring public confidence. Humanitarian Trade Rules: Northern Bahr el Ghazal’s RRC acting chair warned against selling humanitarian supplies like Plumpy’Nut and CSB, saying both sellers and buyers could face legal action, as directives aim to stop diversion from vulnerable communities. Roads & Logistics Pressure: Transport and Roads officials tied the rapid damage of the Juba–Nimule trade corridor to overloaded trucks from East Africa, saying Nimule’s weighbridge will be used to control axle loads during reconstruction. Food Aid Funding: Japan and WFP signed a $2.2m deal to deliver lifesaving food and nutrition support to nearly 40,000 women and children across South Sudan amid severe food insecurity. Regional Diplomacy for Peace: Germany, Japan, Norway and the US urged urgent inter-party dialogue and an end to violence, adding that better security and accountability would help unlock private investment. Wildlife Protection Jobs: South Sudan graduated 50 wildlife rangers after two months of anti-poaching training at Badingilo National Park, aiming to boost patrol coverage and crack down on illegal wildlife trade.