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.