Standards & Digital Governance: South Sudan’s National Bureau of Standards moved to the final stage of its ERP rollout in Juba, aiming for more efficient, transparent operations, while its executive director attended the ISO General Assembly in Paris to push standards collaboration. FX & Trade Pressure: The Bank of South Sudan reported gross international reserves plunged 67.21% in Q1 2025 to about five days of import cover, even as oil-driven exports rose and the trade deficit narrowed. Women, Food & Humanitarian Funding: Germany funded community projects for women and girls across Central and Eastern Equatoria plus Western Bahr el Ghazal; UN Women warned Middle East escalation could push an extra 11.7 million women and girls into food insecurity by end-2026, and the UN released $160m from CERF for underfunded humanitarian crises including South Sudan. Border Security & Elections: Caretaker governors in Central Equatoria and Lakes agreed to reduce illegal roadblocks and coordinate security ahead of December elections. Energy & Regional Trade: Kenya’s Lamu port is set for higher vessel traffic tied to Dangote’s $17bn refinery, a potential lifeline for South Sudan’s oil corridor—though commentary notes Juba’s limited engagement. Business & Finance Risks: South Sudan challenged a US court ruling enforcing a $1bn Qatar National Bank arbitration award, while Ecobank expanded credit for women-owned businesses, and telecom firms were ordered to settle tax arrears in cash. Regional Deals: South Sudan and Turkey moved to implement a 2017 trade and economic cooperation agreement covering mining, agriculture, fisheries, energy and tax treaties.