AGP Executive Report

Fuel & FX Pressure: South Sudan’s weak pound is keeping costs high, with petrol and diesel prices still biting businesses and households; the government says the Economic Reform Committee’s push helped pull prices down, but the bigger risk remains the country’s dependence on imported fuel and exchange-rate swings. Cash Liquidity Measures: In response to a cash shortage, authorities ordered businesses to pay taxes and border charges in cash, while Capital Pay will keep recording digital transactions even as payments shift to cash. Ebola Preparedness & Health Funding: Seven foreign embassies urged South Sudan to pay public health workers promptly as Ebola alerts rise in the region, with screening and response capacity being strengthened at border points. Food Security Push: IFAD and the government launched a US$41.8m Sustainable Agriculture Development Project to support over 110,000 people, focusing on climate-resilient sorghum and fisheries value chains, reduced post-harvest losses, and better market access. Drought Crisis: Farmers in Lafon and Imehejek report crop failure after a May–mid-July drought, with nearly 1,000 people reportedly fleeing for food to Uganda, Kenya, Juba and Torit. ICT & Connectivity: The National Communication Authority concluded work to start developing a National Spectrum Management and 5G Strategy, aiming to improve connectivity and support innovation. Cross-Border Security: Central Equatoria Governor Adil Anthony met Ugandan counterparts in Kajo-Keji to coordinate on civilian protection and trade after clashes displaced people. Regional Peace Diplomacy: Kenya reaffirmed support for African-led peace efforts through IGAD, linking stability to trade and investment prospects.

Food Security Funding: IFAD and the South Sudan government launched a US$41.8m Sustainable Agriculture Development Project (SADEP) to boost climate-resilient farming, fisheries and market access for 110,000+ people across four counties. Drought & Hunger Pressure: Farmers in Lafon and Imehejek report crop failure after a May–mid-July dry spell, with nearly 1,000 people fleeing toward Uganda/Kenya and calls for subsidised food through cooperatives. Digital Revenue & Cash Shortage: The government says Capital Pay will keep recording digital revenue collection, but businesses and banks must pay taxes in cash and remit cash to the Ministry of Finance—aimed at easing physical currency constraints. Electricity Fuel Tax Review: Officials inspected Ezra Power Plant as the state reviews a heavy fuel oil tax exemption request to keep Juba’s power supply running. ICT & Connectivity: The National Communication Authority concluded a workshop to develop a National Spectrum Management and 5G strategy. Border Security & Trade: Central Equatoria Governor Adil met Uganda’s West Nile authorities in Kajo-Keji talks after UPDF–SSPDF clashes displaced civilians, with a focus on protection and cross-border trade. Policy Clarity on Visas: The Interior Ministry dismissed social media claims of new visa-free entry rules for Egypt and Tanzania, saying immigration policy is unchanged. Regional Context: Kenya reaffirmed support for IGAD peace efforts, linking stability to trade and investment across the Horn.

Port & Trade: Kenya Ships Agents Association urged faster infrastructure and port support upgrades at Lamu Port—more quay/container equipment, smoother documentation, and completed road/rail links—to help shipping lines use Lamu as a competitive regional hub. Power & Fuel Costs: A ministerial committee inspected Ezra Power Plant’s heavy fuel oil needs as government reviews its tax exemption request to keep Juba electricity running; officials also approved release of some stranded fuel trucks. Regional Finance: East African central bank technical officials met in Kampala to discuss macroeconomic conditions and EAC convergence criteria, with South Sudan’s central bank participating. Food Security: China handed South Sudan the final emergency food aid consignment—3,256 metric tons of rice and wheat—aimed at vulnerable groups amid floods, droughts and conflict. Immigration Policy: South Sudan’s Interior Ministry dismissed social media claims of visa-free entry only for Egyptians and Tanzanians, saying no such directive or fee changes were approved. Cost of Living: Juba residents and traders linked stubborn prices to a weaker South Sudanese pound and higher taxes, despite fuel price declines. Business Leadership: PACCI elected Tanzania’s Minja as vice president for the East African region, representing chambers including South Sudan. Health Watch: WHO said DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is expanding in Ituri but some areas show stabilization; health workers remain heavily affected.

Fuel & Power Costs: Ezra Power Plant’s heavy fuel oil needs are under review as South Sudan considers tax exemptions to keep Juba’s electricity supply stable amid rising fuel costs. Prices & Currency Pressure: Juba residents say essential goods prices keep climbing even after fuel price drops, blaming the weak pound and higher taxes. Fuel Supply Push: Government says about 200 fuel trucks are expected next week under a G2G arrangement to ease shortages and bring down prices. Food Security: China handed over the final 3,256 metric tons of emergency food aid (rice and wheat) to South Sudan, completing a multi-shipment delivery for vulnerable groups. Visa Policy Clarity: The Interior Ministry dismissed social media claims of visa-free entry limited to Egypt and Tanzania, saying no such policy change was approved. Regional Finance Talks: East African central bank officials met in Kampala to discuss regional monetary convergence criteria, with South Sudan participating. Education & Investment: Central Equatoria and China pledged deeper cooperation in education, capacity building and infrastructure; meanwhile, South Sudan is also moving to expand public universities beyond Juba. Peace & Elections: Catholic bishops urged dialogue and full implementation of the 2018 peace agreement ahead of the December 22, 2026 elections.

Humanitarian Food Aid: China handed over the final consignment of 3,256 metric tons of wheat and rice to South Sudan in Juba, aimed at easing shortages amid droughts, floods, conflict and displacement. Fuel & Prices: Government says 200 fuel trucks are expected next week after delays at Mombasa port and at Nimule, with officials linking the move to stabilising the fuel market and lowering costs. Power Supply Costs: A ministerial team inspected Ezra Power Plant to review its Heavy Fuel Oil needs after the company requested a tax exemption to keep Juba’s electricity running and prices stable. Visa Policy Confusion: The Ministry of Interior denied social media claims of a new visa-free rule for Egypt and Tanzania, saying no official directive has been issued—while earlier reports had sparked debate across the region. Regional Health Security: The EAC will launch the Uganda Virus Research Institute as a regional virology center in Entebbe, strengthening disease surveillance and lab training for member states including South Sudan. Security & Livelihoods: In Jonglei’s Nyirol County, rival SPLM-IO and SPLM-IG administrations trade blame over alleged cattle theft of 7,304 heads, raising fresh concerns for rural livelihoods. Youth & Peacebuilding: VP Igga urged youth to lead peacebuilding and nation-building as IGAD-backed youth forums push social cohesion and democratic transition. Higher Education Expansion: President Kiir approved three new public universities in Aweil, Kuajok and Yei, with legal steps to fast-track accreditation and governance. Governance & Oversight: UNDP trained Lakes State lawmakers and finance officials on fiscal oversight and public investment, supported by AfDB funding. Business & Trade: Chinese retail hubs in Juba are expanding local supply chains and jobs, with residents pointing to easier access to goods and more hiring of young South Sudanese.

Fuel & Prices: South Sudan expects 200 fuel trucks to arrive next week after delays at Mombasa port and at Nimule, with government saying the extra supply should stabilise the market and help bring down prices. Energy Regulation: A commentary warns South Sudan lacks a fully empowered downstream petroleum regulator, arguing this gap fuels fuel price volatility and weak oversight. Power Supply: The Economic Reform Committee inspected Ezra Power Plant in Gumbo to review its Heavy Fuel Oil needs after a tax exemption request, approving release of 20 trucks out of 100 held at Nimule pending case-by-case review. Economic Governance: UNDP delivered capacity-building in Lakes State on legislative financial oversight and public investment, funded with AfDB support, aiming to strengthen fiscal management beyond oil. Higher Education Expansion: President Salva Kiir approved three new public universities—Aweil, Kuajok, and Yei—renaming and upgrading existing institutions to widen access. Local Revenue: Juba City Council passed the Property Tax Bylaw 2026 to formalise property tax administration and fund municipal services. Trade & Investment Push: South Sudan is repositioning for new investment across the oil value chain, with the African Energy Chamber backing reforms to improve the investment climate. Humanitarian & Regional Health: China donated over 3,000 tonnes of wheat and rice for drought, flood, and conflict-affected communities; meanwhile, the EAC will launch Uganda Virus Research Institute as a regional virology centre, and AfDB approved $13m to contain Ebola in DRC, South Sudan, and Uganda. Policy Clarity: The Interior Ministry dismissed social media claims of new visa-free entry for only Egypt and Tanzania, saying no such policy has been adopted.

Fuel Relief Measures: South Sudan expects fuel prices to drop after a deal with Somali traders, cutting pump costs from about SSP 18,000 to SSP 14,800 per litre, with 200 fuel trucks due next week to ease shortages. Election Readiness: The National Elections Commission says it has appointed commissioners in nine states and is close to completing deployment, but warns funding gaps, insecurity and logistics still threaten the December 2026 timetable. Cybersecurity Push: Government has started implementing the Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act, 2026, saying it will strengthen digital security ahead of elections, while critics fear vague rules could curb online speech. Investment & Oil Revival: The African Energy Chamber backs South Sudan’s reform drive to attract new capital across the oil value chain, as officials seek clearer rules and incentives to revive production and downstream projects. Youth & Peacebuilding: IGAD and the South Sudan National Youth Union will hold a Juba youth forum on peace, security and the economic future, aiming to boost youth participation in the democratic transition. Martyrs’ Day Observance: The culture ministry urges peaceful candlelight remembrance on 30 July despite a lack of a state budget for official celebrations. Regional Health Curbs: Canada and the U.S. tightened Ebola-related border measures in response to the DRC outbreak, raising concerns they could slow humanitarian response and specialist deployment. Higher Education Expansion: President Kiir ordered two new public universities (Yei and Kuajok) and renamed the University of Northern Bahr el Ghazal to the University of Aweil. Finance & Trade Context: The EAC pushed its single-currency target to 2031, aiming to deepen trade integration across member states.

Fuel Relief Measures: South Sudan expects prices to ease after a deal with Somali traders cuts pump fuel from SSP 18,000 to SSP 14,800 per litre, with about 200 fuel trucks due to enter next week to stabilise supply. Economic Pressure & Currency: Analysts warn the South Sudanese pound’s depreciation is deepening the cost-of-living crisis because the country relies heavily on imported fuel, food, medicine and goods. Investment & Oil Sector Reforms: The African Energy Chamber is pushing a new investment push in Juba, urging clearer rules and reforms across the oil value chain to revive production and attract capital. Infrastructure & Aviation: President Salva Kiir inaugurated Juba International Airport’s Terminal 3, calling it a step toward safer, more efficient air transport that supports trade and tourism. Elections Readiness: The NEC says preparations for the December 2026 elections are progressing, with commissioners appointed in most states, but funding gaps and insecurity remain major risks. Digital Governance: South Sudan has begun implementing the Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act, 2026, with rights groups warning it could curb free expression. Regional Trade Integration: The EAC set 2031 for launching a single regional currency, aiming to boost cross-border trade once convergence criteria are met. Youth & Peacebuilding: IGAD and the South Sudan National Youth Union will hold a Juba forum on youth roles in peace, democracy and the economic future. Humanitarian & Security: A renewed flare-up along the South Sudan–Uganda border has displaced civilians, with urgent calls for food, shelter, water and medical support.

Fuel Relief Plan: South Sudan expects fuel prices to drop after a deal with Somali traders, cutting pump prices from SSP 18,000–18,500 to SSP 14,800 per litre, with about 200 fuel trucks due next week to stabilise supply. Election Readiness: The National Elections Commission says preparations for the first post-independence general elections are progressing, but funding gaps, insecurity and logistics still threaten the timetable. Cybersecurity Law: Government has begun implementing the Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act, 2026, saying it will protect digital systems, while critics warn it could curb legitimate online speech ahead of December 2026 elections. Aviation & Trade Infrastructure: President Salva Kiir inaugurated Juba International Airport Terminal 3 and urged better management of public contracts; separately, the African Energy Chamber renewed support for South Sudan’s oil-sector investment push. Digital Connectivity: South Sudan started work on a National Spectrum Management and 5G Strategy to improve connectivity and attract investment. Regional Market Push: AfCFTA officials urged South Sudan to speed up ratification so businesses can access a wider continental market. Local Revenue: Juba City Council passed the Property Tax Bylaw 2026 to strengthen municipal revenue for services like roads, waste management and sanitation. Women in Peacebuilding: UN Women and UNESCO launched a three-year peacebuilding project in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal to support women’s leadership and economic empowerment.

Fuel Relief & Inflation Pressure: South Sudan expects fuel prices to ease after an agreement with Somali traders cut pump costs from SSP 18,000 to SSP 14,800 per litre, while the government also says about 200 fuel trucks will arrive next week to stabilise supply. Aviation & Trade Connectivity: President Salva Kiir inaugurated Terminal 3 at Juba International Airport, calling it a boost for safer air transport and a positive signal for investors and tourism. Energy Investment Push: The African Energy Chamber reaffirmed support for South Sudan’s oil sector revival after a working visit to Juba, urging sustained engagement to attract new capital across the oil value chain. Digital Economy & Governance: South Sudan has begun enforcing its Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act, 2026, with critics warning it could curb free expression even as authorities say it strengthens cybersecurity ahead of December 2026 elections. Regional Integration: The AfCFTA Secretariat urged South Sudan to speed up ratification so businesses can access a 50+ country continental market. Public Finance & Local Revenue: Juba City Council passed the Property Tax Bylaw 2026 to strengthen municipal revenue for services like roads, waste management and sanitation. Education Expansion: Kiir directed the creation of two new public universities and renamed the University of Northern Bahr el Ghazal to the University of Aweil. Humanitarian & Social Services: UNDP and South Korea launched REVIVE Phase II (US$50m) to support early recovery in South Sudan and other crisis-hit countries.

Cybersecurity & Rights: South Sudan has started enforcing its Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Act, with the government saying it will protect digital infrastructure and support the December 2026 elections, while critics warn it could be used to curb free speech. Digital Economy: The National Communication Authority has begun work on a National Spectrum Management and 5G Strategy to improve connectivity, attract investment, and strengthen cybersecurity. Energy Investment: The African Energy Chamber says it will keep pushing South Sudan as a frontier energy destination after a high-level visit to support reforms across the oil value chain. Macroeconomy & Prices: An analyst warns the South Sudanese pound’s depreciation is deepening the economic crisis by lifting the cost of imported essentials like food, fuel, and medicine. Aviation & Trade Facilitation: President Salva Kiir inaugurated Terminal 3 at Juba International Airport, calling it a “positive signal” for safer, more efficient air transport that can boost trade and tourism. Local Revenue & Services: Juba City Council passed the Property Tax Bylaw 2026 to strengthen the legal basis for collecting property taxes and funding roads, waste management, and sanitation. Trade Integration: AfCFTA officials urged South Sudan to fast-track ratification so businesses can access a wider continental market. Humanitarian Pressure: A bishop appealed for urgent aid for displaced people after renewed violence along the South Sudan–Uganda border. Food Security & Nutrition: Central Equatoria’s gender director praised Koneta Hub’s UNICEF-supported nutrition work in Yei, reaching over 3,000 malnourished children. Regional Context: The EU banned purchases of Sudanese gold, aiming to cut funding for Sudan’s war economy.

Energy Investment Push: The African Energy Chamber’s NJ Ayuk met South Sudan officials in Juba, urging sustained global investor engagement as the country seeks to revive oil, expand refining, gas and power, and improve the investment climate. Digital Connectivity: South Sudan has started developing a National Spectrum Management and 5G Strategy, with the National Communication Authority saying it will also tackle cybersecurity and help attract tech investment. Trade Integration: AfCFTA is urging South Sudan to fast-track ratification so local businesses can access a market of 50+ African countries. Oil Market Cooperation: South Sudan joined an OPEC+ technical meeting in Azerbaijan, signaling its interest in stable global oil prices and energy security. Local Revenue & Services: Juba City Council passed the Property Tax Bylaw 2026 to strengthen collection and fund roads, waste management and other municipal services. Cost of Living Pressure: Fuel prices jumped again, with petrol reportedly rising to SSP 18,500 in Juba and SSP 20,000 in Yambio, pushing transport and food costs higher. Humanitarian Returns: The Humanitarian Affairs Minister pledged support for safe, voluntary return of South Sudanese from Egypt, citing arrests, deportations and unemployment challenges. Governance & Elections: Western Equatoria Governor Badagbu directed county commissioners to prioritize security and election preparations for 22 Dec 2026. Regional Policy Watch: FATF updates keep South Sudan on monitoring lists, while EU and global AML/CFT shifts continue to affect financial compliance expectations.

Juba Airport Upgrade: President Salva Kiir inaugurated Terminal 3 at Juba International Airport, a 17-year project meant to modernize aviation services and lift travel standards. Fuel & Cost of Living: South Sudanese motorists and commuters report another fuel price jump—petrol up to SSP 18,500 in Juba and SSP 20,000 in Yambio, with black-market rates higher—pushing transport and food costs further. Digital Skills for Youth: In Yei River County, the Internet Society trained youth and community leaders over three days on responsible internet use, digital communication, and spotting misinformation—linking skills to education, jobs, and business opportunities. Oil Finance Pressure: A partial settlement involving BB Energy eases a London High Court bar on new oil-backed loans, but highlights how much the economy still depends on future crude sales to meet obligations. Workers’ Social Insurance Pushback: Oil-industry unions and other employers urged the government to pause NSIF Act 2023 implementation, saying the rollout lacks governance, transparency, and stakeholder consultation. Ebola Watch in the Region: Uganda began its 42-day countdown after discharging its last Ebola patient, while the DRC outbreak continues to worsen—keeping cross-border health preparedness a business risk for the region. Trade & Compliance Signals: FATF updated its monitoring lists, removing Algeria and Namibia while adding Bosnia and Iraq; South Sudan remains on the monitored list, affecting how financial institutions assess risk.

Aviation & Infrastructure: President Salva Kiir inaugurated Juba International Airport’s Terminal 3, a 17-year project meant to modernise air travel with new passenger lounges and facilities, and to boost trade and connectivity. Oil & Finance: A partial settlement with BB Energy eased a London High Court bar on new South Sudan oil-backed loan deals, temporarily freeing the government to pursue fresh financing while highlighting how much public finances still depend on future crude output. Cost of Living & FX: The South Sudanese Pound’s slide is pushing up prices in Juba, with residents reporting higher transport and food costs as traders struggle to restock. Fuel Prices: Motorists and commuters across the country decried another fuel price surge, with petrol hitting SSP 18,500 per litre in Juba and SSP 20,000 in Yambio, squeezing transport fares and basic goods. Labour & Social Protection: Oil-industry and other workers’ unions urged the government to pause the National Social Insurance Fund (NSIF) rollout, saying compulsory contributions are being implemented without adequate governance, transparency, and systems. Regional Trade & Transport: South Sudanese refugees in Uganda welcomed progress on the Laropi Bridge project, expected to improve transport and trade after ferry breakdowns disrupt livelihoods. Digital Economy: The EAC moved to make cross-border online shopping safer and more trusted by tackling legal and regulatory gaps for e-commerce. Public Health & Cross-Border Risk: Uganda began a 42-day countdown to be declared Ebola-free after discharging its last patient, while the DRC outbreak continues to worsen—keeping regional preparedness high. Governance & Compliance: FATF updated its monitoring lists, removing Algeria and Namibia while adding Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iraq, a reminder that financial compliance rules can quickly affect business risk.

NSIF Rollout Backlash: South Sudanese workers’ unions and employers want the government to suspend the National Social Insurance Fund (NSIF) Act 2023, saying compulsory contributions are moving ahead without proper governance, transparency, systems, and stakeholder buy-in. Aviation Upgrade: President Salva Kiir will commission the new Terminal 3 at Juba International Airport on Thursday, with officials saying it’s ready for operations and designed for international arrivals and departures to boost trade and connectivity. Fuel Pressure in the States: Western Equatoria residents and boda-boda operators report sharp fuel price jumps, raising transport costs and squeezing household budgets. Currency and Cost of Living: Juba and other callers say the South Sudan pound is weakening on the parallel market and diesel prices have surged, pushing some commuters to walk. Border and Mobility Talks: South Sudan and Kenya reaffirmed plans to strengthen border security and improve immigration management to ease movement of people and goods. Deportation Risk for South Sudanese in Sudan: A Sudan court ordered the expulsion of 23 South Sudanese nationals, heightening fears of wider crackdowns on residents. Humanitarian Heat in Eastern Africa: UN agencies warn 48.5 million people need help in Eastern Africa, with food insecurity rising and Ebola risk from the DRC adding pressure—South Sudan is among the hardest hit. Ebola Update (Regional): Congo’s Ebola response is struggling as confirmed cases near 2,000 and deaths mount, with warnings that the outbreak is outpacing containment. Oil Finance Relief: South Sudan regained limited access to crude-backed advance financing after settling a dispute with BB Energy, which says it has been awarded three more cargoes for delivery later in 2026. Labor Cooperation Abroad: Kuwait and South Sudan discussed manpower and expertise exchange through a draft labor cooperation memorandum. Mining Demands in Aweil North: A community in Aweil North says road, school, and police infrastructure must be built before Lol Malual Mining Company starts gold mining. Election Media Training: Journalists in Bor, Jonglei, received training on ethical, conflict-sensitive and gender-responsive election reporting ahead of South Sudan’s first general elections since 2011.

Aviation & Trade: President Salva Kiir is set to commission the new Terminal 3 at Juba International Airport on Thursday, as the Transport Ministry says the facility is fully prepared to boost international arrivals and departures and support trade and connectivity. Social Protection: South Sudanese workers’ unions are asking the government to pause the National Social Insurance Fund (NSIF) rollout, saying the law is being implemented before key legal and governance structures are in place. Fuel & Cost of Living: Western Equatoria residents report fuel price jumps that are pushing up transport costs and squeezing households, with boda-boda operators warning they may cut services if prices stay high. Food Security & Regional Risks: UN agencies warn Eastern Africa needs urgent help, citing 48.5 million people requiring assistance in 2026, with South Sudan among the biggest hotspots as conflict and rising costs bite. Ebola Watch: South Sudan is stepping up preparedness as the DRC Ebola outbreak accelerates, with officials stressing the risk of importation through cross-border movement and trade. Elections & Media: NPA and AMDISS train journalists in Bor on ethical, conflict-sensitive and gender-responsive election reporting ahead of South Sudan’s first general elections since 2011. Mining & Local Demands: Aweil North community leaders demand roads, schools and a police station before Lol Malual Mining begins gold operations in their area. Standards & Consumer Protection: SSNBS begins training lab staff to improve food safety testing using new HPLC technology, aiming to better detect harmful contaminants. Border & Immigration: South Sudan and Kenya reaffirmed plans to strengthen border security and improve immigration processes to ease movement of people and goods. Deportations: More than 20 South Sudanese face deportation from Sudan after a court order in Al-Dabbah, raising fears of wider crackdowns on residents.