Ebola Preparedness Funding: The U.S. State Department announced an extra Ksh2.59 billion (US$20m) for Ebola readiness in Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda and South Sudan, boosting total direct support to over Ksh28.4 billion (US$220m) for surveillance, border screening, emergency operations, and medical supplies. Regional Investment Push: Juba Special Economic Zone (JSEZ) held talks with U.S. firm Global Trading Commodities to speed up investment, industrial growth and trade facilitation, as South Sudan seeks more global partners. Trade & Logistics Boost: The EU approved €17m (US$19.6m) for Kenya’s Northern Corridor, backing cold-chain and trade facilitation plus digital upgrades that can cut transit delays for regional freight. Banking Expansion Watch: Stanbic Bank/Standard Bank is weighing a greenfield route into Ethiopia despite the 49% foreign ownership cap, saying it can still build from scratch and learn from earlier market entry experience. Local Business Costs: Juba traders and the Central Equatoria Chamber of Commerce complain about steep new garbage fees and property tax implementation without consultation, warning it could force closures. Human Rights & Business Safety: Amnesty says a Kenya-based South Sudanese businessman was abducted in Nairobi and fears deportation to South Sudan; it demands disclosure and due process. AfDB Projects for Growth: South Sudan is set to benefit from new AfDB regional development projects after meetings in Juba, with focus on urban electricity, agriculture, climate resilience and economic diversification.