South Sudan–Kenya Trade: South Sudan’s ambassador to Kenya urged Nairobi to cut costly trade barriers, spotlighting high customs bond fees, delays, and paperwork that raise the cost of doing business for South Sudanese traders. Oil & Investment: President Salva Kiir appointed Awow Daniel Chuang as Caretaker Minister of Petroleum, signaling a push to strengthen regulation and attract new exploration and redevelopment investment ahead of December elections. Standards & Markets: South Sudan’s National Bureau of Standards expanded its ISO engagement in Paris, aiming to build trust and improve quality assurance for regional and international trade. Humanitarian Funding: UN OCHA says donors have provided nearly $1.2bn for South Sudan humanitarian action, including $980m under the Crisis Response Plan, with funds tracked through the Financial Tracking Service. Regional Energy Push: South Sudan joined a high-profile Lamu refinery push led by Dangote, with the project framed as a jobs and energy-security boost across East and Central Africa. Community & Social Impact: Central Equatoria chiefs committed to ending child marriage and protecting girls, while Yei residents faced renewed calls to address insecurity and violence.