AGP Executive Report

Transport & Trade Bottlenecks: Analysts say the crumbling 192-km Juba–Nimule highway is choking South Sudan’s economy, stretching travel to 7–8 hours and potentially costing the state up to SSP 220B monthly in lost revenue. Local Investment & Markets: A proposal by T Blackstone Investment Group aims to modernize Juba’s Konyo-Konyo Market with about 800 shopping spaces, offices and better facilities—targeting congestion, drainage, hygiene and past fire risks. Telecom Costs & Business Continuity: The Information Minister defends telecom tariff hikes, saying operators need hard currency to avoid service shutdowns amid pound depreciation and foreign-exchange shortages. Water Security & Public Health: A solar-powered groundwater station (SOMBA) commissioned at the University of Juba—financed by Egypt—highlights how “access to water” still needs to mean safe, reliable supply. Security & Logistics Risk: Kenyan truck drivers face rising attacks; a travel alert urges convoy travel and daytime movement after a driver was killed in South Sudan. Peace & Stability Signals: About 300 rebel fighters from the National Salvation Front have returned to government in Juba under President Kiir’s amnesty, aiming for dialogue. Governance & Revenue Controls: Juba’s city mayor announces reforms focused on tighter financial controls, workforce review and resident consultations to improve services. Education Leadership: South Sudan-linked education leader Adedolapo Osuntuyi is selected for an Africa-wide school CEO fellowship, spotlighting skills and systems for quality learning.

Telecoms & FX Pressure: South Sudan’s Information Minister Ateny Wek Ateny defended a telecom tariff increase, saying operators need hard currency to avoid shutting down mobile and internet services as the exchange-rate squeeze bites. Market & Infrastructure: Plans are underway to rebuild Juba’s Konyo-Konyo market into a modern commercial hub with about 800 shopping spaces, aiming to cut congestion and improve hygiene after repeated fires and poor drainage. Transport Costs: A policy analyst warns the crumbling Juba–Nimule road is turning a 3-hour trip into 7–8 hours, choking trade and draining government revenue. Regional Deal-Making: Parliament approved the South Sudan–Saudi Arabia cooperation accord, opening new avenues for agriculture, education, mining and infrastructure partnerships. Youth & Local Business: The National Youth Union chairperson urged stronger protection for young entrepreneurs after allegations of intimidation by a foreign firm over locally made electricity poles. Health Supply Chain: The Gombo Central Medical Store (dry commodities extension) was inaugurated with partners urging continued support for the Ministry of Health. Politics & Business Climate: Private sector voices warn election-related tension could deter investment across tourism, transport, services and trade. Ebola Watch: A regional intervention targets Ebola screening along major DRC trade and migration corridors, including routes linked to South Sudan.

Food Security: Drought is tightening supplies and pushing up prices in the region, with Kenya’s maize and beans costs rising in July as harvest losses worsen. Regional Trade & Peace: Upper Nile is preparing a peace and reconciliation conference (Aug 24–30) to restore movement and trade after tensions disrupt local economies. Sovereignty & Elections Debate: The People’s Coalition for Civil Action (PCCA) says sovereignty belongs to South Sudanese people, warning that elections can’t be credible without real reforms. Youth & Local Business Protection: The National Youth Union chairperson is calling for stronger protection of young entrepreneurs after alleged threats from a foreign firm over locally made electricity poles. Diplomacy & Investment Links: South Sudan’s parliament approved a cooperation accord with Saudi Arabia, targeting agriculture, education, mining and infrastructure. Bilateral Talks: President Salva Kiir is in South Africa for talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa on electoral timelines, dialogue and economic cooperation. Health Supply Chain: A new central medical store in Gombo was inaugurated to strengthen health commodity availability, backed by UNDP/UNICEF and Global Fund financing. Entrepreneurship: Inkomoko South Sudan awarded certificates to 1,225 women and youth entrepreneurs after a six-month business training programme. Ebola Preparedness: ECSA-HC launched a six-month emergency response along DRC border trade and migration corridors, including South Sudan, to speed detection and isolation at points of entry.

Elections & Governance: A senior church leader in Juba urged South Sudan to reconsider the Dec. 22, 2026 election date, warning it falls during Christmas worship and calling for wider public discussion before the timetable is locked. Public Finance & Leadership: President Salva Kiir eulogised former Finance Minister Salvatore Garang Mabiordit as a dedicated technocrat after his death in Juba, while Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior used the funeral to lament the country’s political direction. Health Supply & Partnerships: The HIV/AIDS Commission deputy chief called on international partners to keep supporting the Ministry of Health, highlighting the inauguration of the Gombo Central Medical Store built with UNDP, UNICEF and Global Fund financing. Ebola Preparedness (Trade/Border Focus): ECSA-HC launched a six-month cross-border Ebola intervention along 33 priority points of entry and 16 trade and migration corridors, including South Sudan, to strengthen early detection, isolation and notification. Entrepreneurship & Jobs: Inkomoko South Sudan awarded certificates to 1,225 women and youth entrepreneurs after a six-month business training programme supported by the Mastercard Foundation and the Swiss Government. Regional Energy Investment: Aliko Dangote’s planned Lamu refinery deal is moving toward a September push, with Kenya considering a 10% stake (~$500m) and Ethiopia/Rwanda invited into a combined 30% regional share.

Banking & Finance: Equity Group reported a 32% jump in first-half 2026 profit to KSh45.5bn, with total income up 25% to KSh124.9bn as non-funded income rose 36% to KSh55.6bn and deposits climbed to KSh1.59tn. Public Health & Supply Chains: South Sudan’s HIV/AIDS Commission deputy chair urged partners to keep backing the Ministry of Health as a new Gombo Central Medical Store (dry commodities) was inaugurated to strengthen national supply. Elections & Governance: Government says there will be no extension of the transitional period beyond December 2026, even as Inter-Party Dialogue continues. Entrepreneurship: Inkomoko South Sudan awarded certificates to 1,225 entrepreneurs after a six-month training push for women- and youth-led businesses. Ebola Preparedness: UN and regional partners stepped up cross-border Ebola readiness, including a six-month ECSA-HC intervention along DRC trade and migration corridors that links to South Sudan. Energy & Investment: Aliko Dangote’s planned Lamu refinery deal is gaining regional traction, with an offered 30% equity stake for East African partners including Kenya, Ethiopia and Rwanda. Security & Transport: Ugandan drivers and trucks seized in Bor were released after diplomatic pressure, easing fears for cross-border trucking operations. Leadership & Loss: President Salva Kiir eulogised former finance minister Salvatore Garang Mabiordit as a dedicated public servant after his death in Juba.

Ebola Preparedness: ECSA Health Community launched a six-month cross-border Ebola emergency push at 33 border entry points along the DRC frontier, targeting high-risk corridors that include South Sudan, with digital surveillance, isolation protocols and faster lab transport. Public Finance: South Sudan’s economic reform committee directed the Finance Ministry to start disbursing civil servant salaries and funding for foreign missions after a reported rise in cash revenue collections by the revenue authority. Health Supply Chain: The Ministry of Health inaugurated a new $365,000 medical storage facility in Gumbo, adding 1,400 metric tons to cut reliance on costly private warehouses for essential commodities. Entrepreneurship: Inkomoko South Sudan awarded certificates to 1,225 women and youth entrepreneurs after a six-month training programme supported by the Mastercard Foundation and the Swiss Government. Trade & Energy Regionally: Aliko Dangote’s planned Lamu refinery deal offers East African countries a combined 30% equity stake, with Kenya considering a 10% share worth about $500m. Security & Politics: South Sudan reiterated it will not extend the transitional period beyond December 2026 as inter-party dialogue continues, while UN reporting warns violence is rising ahead of elections. Transport Dispute: South Sudan released Ugandan drivers and trucks seized in Bor after diplomatic pressure, easing fears for cross-border trucking businesses. Leadership Loss: Former Finance Minister Salvatore Garang Mabiordit was laid to rest in Juba after his death in Nairobi.

Ebola Preparedness & Trade Corridors: ECSA-HC has launched a six-month, World Bank-funded emergency push at 33 border points along the DRC border, targeting high-risk corridors that include South Sudan, with digital surveillance, isolation protocols, lab transport links and cross-border notifications to catch imported cases early. Entrepreneurship & Jobs: Inkomoko South Sudan awarded certificates to 1,225 women and youth entrepreneurs after a six-month business training supported by the Mastercard Foundation and the Swiss Government, covering management, investment readiness, record keeping and marketing. Public Finance: A ministerial economic reform committee directed the Ministry of Finance to resume paying civil servant salaries and fund foreign missions after a reported rise in cash revenue collections by the South Sudan Revenue Authority. Health Supply Chain: South Sudan inaugurated a new $365,000 medical warehouse in Gumbo, adding about 1,400 metric tons of storage to reduce reliance on costly private warehousing for key commodities like malaria nets. Energy Investment: Aliko Dangote’s group offered East African countries a combined 30% stake in a planned Lamu refinery, with Kenya considering a 10% share worth about $500m and Ethiopia/Rwanda also showing interest ahead of a September groundbreaking. Security & Elections Politics: The government says there will be no extension of the transition beyond December 2026, even as Inter-Party Dialogue continues, while President Kiir warns against foreign pressure on South Sudan’s political decisions.

Public Finance: South Sudan’s Economic Reform Committee has directed the Finance Ministry to resume paying civil servant salaries and fund foreign missions, citing a surge in cash revenue collections by the South Sudan Revenue Authority, though no clear start date was given. Health Supply Chain: The Ministry of Health inaugurated a new $365,000 medical warehouse in Gumbo, adding about 1,400 metric tons of storage to strengthen national distribution and cut reliance on costly private warehousing. Telecom Costs: Mobile call and data prices rose again after the National Communication Authority’s third tariff adjustment, adding fresh pressure on households and businesses already hit by inflation and currency weakness. Elections & Governance: President Salva Kiir’s office pushed back against external pressure on South Sudan’s transition, insisting elections and reforms must be driven by South Sudanese institutions, while a UN human rights commission warned that missing safeguards could fuel conflict. Humanitarian Funding: WFP said food support for refugees in South Sudan is slipping as funding dries up, with assistance at risk of ending after September. Security & Trade Disruption: Reports of armed men abducting Ugandan truck drivers and seizing trucks in Bor have sparked denials from the SSPDF, raising concerns for cross-border transport and commerce. Regional Migration Politics: Liberia received the first group of 20 U.S. deportees under a deal to accept up to 1,200 over 12 months, with $5 million support for migration management—an issue that also links to South Sudan’s mention among countries involved in third-country deportations. Business & Markets: Uganda’s export routes are shifting as Kenya falls behind due to non-tariff barriers, with South Sudan and DR Congo emerging as key destinations. Agriculture & Jobs: A fresh call for agriculture as a national priority highlights the need for seeds, tools, irrigation, roads, and affordable financing to boost food security and employment. Trade & Logistics Tech: East Africa’s supply-chain costs and delays are being blamed on slow, paper-heavy payments, with calls for digital payments to improve transparency and reduce working-capital strain. Energy & Imports: Japan’s oil import bill hit an all-time high, underscoring how higher global fuel prices can ripple into inflation and regional energy planning. Leadership Loss: Former finance minister Salvatore Garang Mabiordit has died in Juba, ending a long career spanning public finance and economic planning.

Finance Leadership: Former South Sudan finance minister Salvatore Garang Mabiordit has died in Juba after complications from a diabetic coma, with his family confirming the cause and noting his decades-long public finance career. Elections & Sovereignty: President Salva Kiir and the presidency pushed back on external pressure over South Sudan’s prolonged transition, insisting elections and reforms must be driven by South Sudanese institutions ahead of the December 22, 2026 vote. Human Rights & Risk: The UN Commission on Human Rights warned that elections without safeguards could fuel conflict and atrocity risks, citing weak civic space, accountability gaps, and renewed armed violence. Trade & Transport Security: Ugandan truck drivers reported missing after armed men seized trucks in Bor town, Jonglei, with the army denying soldiers were behind the abductions and pointing to armed civilians instead. Health & Travel Costs: New Ebola-related U.S. travel restrictions were issued for people recently in DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan, affecting boarding and entry routes. Food Security: The UN warned hunger is worsening, with millions facing food insecurity and possible suspension of food aid for vulnerable refugees if funding gaps persist. Natural Resources Enforcement: Aweil authorities arrested two suspected illegal loggers and seized cutting machines during a crackdown on unauthorized timber harvesting. Regional Business Links: South Sudan’s role in the Northern Corridor remains in focus as regional transport coordination continues, including new finance-related hiring under the NCTTCA.

Election Readiness: South Sudan’s 22 December election timetable is slipping as voter registration, civic education, election security and unresolved election laws remain incomplete, with analysts warning the country may need to extend into January or risk a disputed vote. Humanitarian Funding Pressure: The UN says hunger is worsening, with 7.8 million people facing food insecurity and possible suspension of food aid for about 240,000 vulnerable refugees by end of September if funding gaps persist. Aid Worker Safety: World Humanitarian Day highlights a sharp rise in killings of aid workers, with South Sudan among the hardest-hit contexts as UN urges stronger protection for humanitarian staff. Oil & Trade Costs: Japan’s import bill hit an all-time high in July as elevated oil prices push up costs, while South Sudan’s role in regional crude diversification is noted amid inflation fears. Transport & Security Disruptions: Ugandan truck drivers report armed men seized trucks in Bor, disrupting fish trade routes along the White Nile and raising fears of forced military use of civilian vehicles. Legislation & Business Climate: The TNLA sent South Sudan’s Public Holiday Bill, 2026 back to committee for wider consultations, aiming to balance religious observance with productivity. Electricity Connections: Juba electricity connection costs are under debate, with officials questioning fairness of infrastructure charges while JEDCO cites a lower standard residential fee. Regional Finance: Equity Group’s strong half-year profits underscore growing regional banking momentum, including operations in South Sudan.

Humanitarian & Security: UN says deadly attacks on aid workers and contractors in South Sudan have surged, with at least 36 killed since January, as it urges stronger protection for humanitarian staff. Food & Funding Pressure: UN warns extreme hunger is worsening as funding shortfalls threaten food aid for 650,000 refugees, while a FAO–WFP report flags South Sudan among the world’s biggest hunger hotspots. Trade & Transport Disruption: Ugandan truckers report South Sudan’s military has seized commercial vehicles in Bor, while river transport resumes in Jonglei after a blockage was cleared—both signals of how insecurity is reshaping logistics and costs. Electricity Costs in Juba: A dispute over JEDCO connection charges has emerged, with officials questioning fairness of US$4,000–US$20,000 infrastructure spending versus JEDCO’s claim of about US$723 for standard connections. Finance & Banking: Equity Group posted KSh45.5bn half-year profit (+32%) but skipped an interim dividend to fund expansion; in parallel, KCB launched a sustainability bond framework ahead of a KSh300bn MTN programme. Policy & Deals: South Sudan’s TNLA ratified a cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, while IGAD-ILO advances free movement protocol implementation. Regional Business: Kenya’s condemned fuel shipments to DRC and South Sudan are under scrutiny after Senate documents traced 48.12m litres of petrol exports. Market Signals: Amanah Insurance in Juba is sharing surplus with eligible policyholders, pushing a more customer-linked model in South Sudan’s insurance sector.

Ebola Watch: The DRC’s Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with deaths reported above 2,300 and the spread described by WHO as unprecedented—raising fears for South Sudan as cross-border movement continues. Border Economy & Trade: South Sudan has stepped up Ebola preparedness along the porous DRC border, screening hundreds of people daily at Nabiapai and pushing coordination to keep trade and travel from turning into a health risk. Transport Disruption: Kenyan truckers are threatening to boycott the DRC and South Sudan over insecurity on the Northern Corridor, warning that killings, extortion and harassment are forcing drivers to park and reroute cargo. Telecom Costs: South Sudan’s mobile operators (MTN, Zain, Digitel) have implemented the third and final tariff adjustment, increasing call and data charges amid pound depreciation and limited foreign currency. Revenue Push: South Sudan’s Economic Reform Committee says cash revenue collection improved in early August after measures like removing roadblocks and streamlining Nimule border collection. Women’s Livelihoods: IGAD launched a women’s economic resilience project in Eastern Equatoria to boost land access, jobs and peacebuilding participation. Insurance Innovation: Amanah Insurance is expanding in South Sudan with a surplus-sharing model that rewards eligible policyholders. Regional Integration: IGAD and partners trained South Sudan’s frontline border officers to support free movement protocol implementation and curb smuggling and illicit trade. Humanitarian Safety: World Humanitarian Day highlights record deaths of aid workers, with South Sudan listed among affected countries as aid cuts and insecurity bite.

Telecom Tariffs: South Sudan’s mobile operators (MTN, Zain and Digitel) have raised call and data charges in the third and final phase of the NCA tariff exchange rate adjustment, effective midnight Aug 17, citing inflation, pound depreciation and limited foreign currency. Border Integration: IGAD, with the ILO and IOM, launched training in Juba to strengthen frontline border officers and support implementation of the IGAD free movement protocol. Trade & Transport: River transport resumed in Jonglei after authorities cleared a blockage on the Nile, with commercial boats leaving Bor Port and moving goods like flour, cooking oil and onions. Ebola Preparedness: South Sudan stepped up Ebola surveillance along the porous DRC border, screening hundreds daily at Nabiapai and urging coordination to prevent cross-border spread. Women’s Livelihoods: Eastern Equatoria launched the BWERSP project to boost women’s economic resilience, land access and peacebuilding participation, backed by IGAD and the AfDB. Cash Revenue Drive: The Economic Reform Committee reported increased cash revenue collection in early August, after measures like removing roadblocks and streamlining collection at Nimule border. Insurance Inclusion: Amanah Insurance held a surplus-sharing event in Juba, distributing part of its annual surplus to eligible policyholders as it expands medical, motor and business insurance services. Diplomacy & Reform: Germany accredited a new ambassador to Juba, pledging support for security, peace and economic reforms tied to the Revitalised Peace Agreement. Regional Context: UN reports say DRC’s Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest on record, raising urgency for preparedness across neighboring countries including South Sudan.

Germany–South Sudan Diplomacy: Germany’s newly accredited Ambassador Sebastian Brökelmann pledged support for security, peace and stability, saying Berlin’s priority is implementing the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement, alongside judicial, security-sector and economic reforms to improve public finance management and fight corruption. Regional Peace Efforts: President Salva Kiir met Sudan’s Darfur governor General Mini Arko Minnawi in Juba to discuss renewed political dialogue and a planned committee review of the Juba Peace Agreement. Trade & Border Economy: South Sudan’s Nimule electrification project launched with the South Sudan Electricity Corporation and Conex Energy, expected to boost business activity and improve digital services like e-tax and electronic payments. Market Pressure in Juba: Rising prices are squeezing households in Juba, with traders at Kubri Haboba Market reporting fewer customers and blaming exchange-rate pressure, taxes and high transport costs along the Juba–Nimule corridor. Cross-Border Security: Central Equatoria and Uganda’s Koboko District agreed to strengthen cooperation against insecurity and smuggling, including fuel and charcoal flows, with proposals for wider trilateral engagement. Capital Markets Policy (Regional): Nigeria’s SEC ordered capital market operators to cut or restrict dealings linked to Iran and North Korea, citing FATF high-risk designations—an example of tighter compliance that could affect regional financial flows. Energy Logistics (East Africa): Kenya’s Port of Mombasa received MT Nord Harmony with about 20,900 tonnes of fuel for local and transit markets, underscoring growing regional demand for refined petroleum products.

Labour Mobility & Trade: Tanzania took over the chair of the East and Horn of Africa labour migration committee from Uganda, aiming for safer, more orderly regional movement of workers and stronger policy coordination. Cost of Living in Juba: Rising prices are squeezing families at Gudele/Kubri Haboba markets as traders say exchange-rate gaps, taxes and high transport costs keep essentials expensive even when the dollar weakens. Fuel & Logistics: Kenya’s Port of Mombasa received MT Nord Harmony with about 20,900 tonnes of V-Power petroleum products, underlining the port’s role as an East Africa energy gateway. Regional Trade Facilitation: Kenya hosted a review workshop for the Horn of Africa Initiative Trade Facilitation Roadmap 2026–2031, covering corridors, border management and digital interoperability across Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan. Peace & Diplomacy: President Kiir met Sudan’s Darfur governor to push renewed dialogue, while Germany accredited a new ambassador who pledged support for R-ARCSS implementation and economic/security reforms. Humanitarian Funding Pressure: UNHCR and WFP warned that funding shortfalls could cut food and nutrition for 240,000 of South Sudan’s most vulnerable refugees in September, with wider risks of malnutrition and new displacement. Business Leadership: Aleph Hospitality appointed Rob Kucera as Regional VP for East & South Africa to oversee 25+ hotels across nine countries. Security & Governance: Western Equatoria reported progress in peacebuilding but still cites insecurity, cash shortages and weak public financial management.

Africa Food Show (Kenya): The 4th Africa Food Show (19–21 Aug, KICC Nairobi) will bring 200+ exhibitors and 6,000+ trade buyers, with South Sudan among participating national pavilions, spotlighting agri-food trade and investment. Electricity for trade: Nimule Electrification Project in Eastern Equatoria has connected 400 customers after launch by SSEC and Conex Energy, aiming to boost reliable power for businesses and services. Refugee food funding crunch: UNHCR and WFP warn South Sudan’s 650,000 refugees and asylum seekers face severe hunger as funding gaps threaten September food support for the most vulnerable 240,000. Returnees from Sudan: About 200 South Sudanese stranded in Sudan’s White Nile (Kosti) have started a voluntary return journey to Western Bahr el Ghazal, with more expected. Governance and pay pressure: An MP in Aweil North says he will back President Kiir only if salary arrears are cleared ahead of December 2026 elections. Women in peacebuilding: UN Women and UNESCO launch a three-year initiative to boost women’s participation in peacebuilding and decision-making in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal, linking economic resilience to conflict prevention. Capital markets compliance (regional): Nigeria’s SEC orders capital market firms to cut correspondent banking and restrict dealings tied to North Korea and Iran under FATF-linked anti-illicit finance rules.