AGP Executive Report

Central Banking & Reform: President Salva Kiir swore in Dr. Addis Ababa Othow for a second term as Bank of South Sudan governor, urging urgent reforms to fix liquidity problems, stabilize the economy, and restore public confidence after staff arrears and strikes. Trade & Border Revenue: A ministerial economic reforms committee ordered security agencies on the Juba–Nimule highway to stop intercepting commercial trucks to collect unofficial taxes and fees, and it also ordered the release of over 4,000 trucks unlawfully held at Nesitu checkpoint to decongest the corridor. Legal & Investor Risk: A U.S. court recognized and enforced a $1.02bn Qatar National Bank arbitration award against South Sudan, raising the risk of international enforcement if payment or settlement is not reached. Elections & Public Trust: CEPO says confidence in December 2026 election preparations is falling due to delayed funding for voter education and worsening insecurity. Livelihoods & Women’s Income: In Juba, women were trained to make liquid soap for sale, aiming to boost household income and savings groups. Health & Regional Cooperation: Kenya and 10 other countries are developing a framework to jointly procure emergency medical supplies during outbreaks, including South Sudan.

Central Banking Shake-up: President Salva Kiir swore in Dr. Addis Ababa Othow as Bank of South Sudan governor for the second time, urging urgent reforms to fix liquidity problems and restore confidence after staff strikes and unpaid salary arrears. Trade & Revenue Enforcement: A ministerial committee ordered security agencies on the Juba–Nimule Highway to stop intercepting commercial trucks to collect unofficial taxes and fees, directing revenue collection to authorized points at Nimule. Election Readiness Pressure: CEPO says public trust is slipping as December 2026 election preparations stall, citing delayed funding for voter education and worsening insecurity. Court Risk for Investors: A U.S. court recognized Qatar National Bank’s $1.02bn ICSID award against South Sudan, raising the risk of international enforcement if payment or settlement is not reached. Livelihoods & Women’s Income: In Juba, women were trained to make liquid soap to sell and strengthen savings groups, aiming to ease household pressures. Regional Health Cooperation: IGAD-backed talks in Nairobi support a framework for joint emergency medical procurement across multiple countries including South Sudan. Global Spotlight on Heritage: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape as a World Heritage site, boosting international visibility for conservation and tourism potential.

Central Banking Shake-up: President Salva Kiir has sworn in Dr. Addis Ababa Othow for a second stint as Bank of South Sudan governor, warning that failures in the financial sector will no longer be tolerated as the country battles cash shortages, liquidity stress, and a weakening South Sudan Pound. Trade & Revenue Enforcement: A ministerial economic reforms committee ordered security agencies along the Juba–Nimule Highway to stop intercepting commercial trucks for unofficial taxes and fees, and also ordered the release of over 4,000 trucks unlawfully held at Nesitu checkpoint to decongest the corridor and cut costs. Elections Readiness Pressure: CEPO says public confidence in December 2026 elections is slipping due to delayed funding for the National Elections Commission and Political Parties Council, which has stalled voter education amid rising insecurity. Women & Youth Livelihoods: UNESCO and IOM launched projects to support 6,000 young people with psychosocial support, livelihood and digital empowerment, while UN Women-backed work targets 2,100 women and girls for peacebuilding and economic opportunities. UNESCO World Heritage Boost: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape on the World Heritage List, spotlighting the country’s migratory ecosystem and conservation value. Local Business/Community Impact: Northern Bahr el Ghazal police report a fatal dispute over ox-ploughing payments, underscoring how small trade and service disagreements can turn violent.

Trade & Revenue Enforcement: South Sudan’s economic reforms committee ordered security agencies along the Juba–Nimule Highway to stop intercepting commercial trucks for unofficial taxes and fees, saying revenue must be collected only at authorized points in Nimule. Checkpoint Decongestion: The same committee ordered the immediate release of over 4,000 customs-cleared trucks unlawfully held at Nesitu checkpoint to speed cargo movement and reduce the cost of goods. Central Banking Shake-up: President Salva Kiir dismissed central bank governor Johnny Ohisa and appointed Addis Ababa Othow, as the economy faces cash shortages, high inflation, currency depreciation and weaker oil receipts. Women & Youth Livelihoods: UNESCO, IOM and UN Women launched projects to support 6,000 young people and 2,100 women and girls with psychosocial support, digital empowerment and peacebuilding in Jonglei, GPAA, Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal. Conservation & Tourism Potential: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape on the World Heritage List, boosting global visibility of the Great Nile migration ecosystem. Small Business Boost: Juba women were trained to make liquid soap for sale, aiming to raise household incomes through savings groups. Security & Justice: Police in Northern Bahr el Ghazal detained a man over alleged counterfeit U.S. dollar dealings, while a separate payment dispute over ox-ploughing in Aweil turned fatal.

Central Banking Shake-up: South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir dismissed central bank governor Johnny Ohisa and reappointed Addis Ababa Othow, as the economy faces cash shortages, high inflation and currency pressure. Border Revenue Push: At Nimule, government reforms tighten tax collection and curb smuggling—tax exemptions limited to UN and recognized humanitarian groups, suppliers must pay before clearance, cash payments required for now, and illegal roadblocks ordered removed. Security for Trade Corridors: The Interior Minister urged police professionalism at Nimule, stressing safety for residents and travelers on the Juba–Nimule highway. Peace Process Pressure: Nigeria urged Juba to fully implement the Revitalised Peace Agreement and secure a credible December 2026 election, while IGAD officials discussed regional cooperation and election preparations. Elections Under Scrutiny: A Catholic bishop warned the first general election could be marred by guns, citing weak civic education and registration readiness. Industrial Supply for Oil and Mining: Tello General Trading launched in Juba to supply specialty chemicals for oil production, mining, water treatment and pest control. Regional Business Links: Kenya Airways honored top travel agents as it targets fleet growth to 100 aircraft by 2035, and Ethiopia–Kenya cooperation highlighted the LAPSSET corridor linking to South Sudan. Abyei Demilitarisation: UNISFA concluded a weapons-free operation in Abyei to restrict unauthorized armed movement and improve humanitarian access. Local Enforcement: Police in Aweil detained a man over alleged counterfeiting of US dollars.

Central Banking Shake-up: South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir dismissed central bank governor Johnny Ohisa Damian and reappointed his predecessor Addis Ababa Othow, as the country battles cash shortages, inflation, and currency pressure. Border Revenue Push: Government reforms at the Nimule border tighten tax collection, limit exemptions to UN and recognized humanitarian groups, require taxes before goods clear, and order removal of illegal roadblocks and cash-taking from truck drivers. Elections Under Scrutiny: The Catholic Church warns the first-ever general election may be risky without real preparation, while the UN backs the National Elections Commission’s nationwide civic and voter education campaign. Peace & Regional Diplomacy: RJMEC urges stronger international support to protect the Revitalised Peace Agreement ahead of December 2026 polls, as IGAD and regional partners press for cooperation and stability. Trade & Connectivity: Youth in Maiwut call for expanded mobile network coverage, saying weak service is hurting business and emergency response. Oil Supply Chain: An industrial chemical supplier, Tello General Trading, launched operations in Juba to supply specialty chemicals for oil, mining, water treatment, and pest control. Regional Business Links: Ethiopia and Kenya highlighted expanding cooperation, including the LAPSSET corridor linking to South Sudan and access to ports.

Central Banking Shake-up: President Salva Kiir has fired Johnny Ohisa Damian as Governor of the Bank of South Sudan and reappointed his predecessor, Dr. Addis Ababa Othow, as central bank governor, amid cash shortages and soaring inflation. Elections & Peace Readiness: The UN says South Sudan’s National Elections Commission has launched nationwide civic and voter education, while RJMEC warns peace implementation is at a critical stage as December 2026 elections approach; a Catholic bishop also cautions that preparations like civic education and monitoring are still missing. Revenue & Borders: Government and Lobong administration are harmonising tax collection at the Nimule border to cut leakages and clarify national vs state revenue mandates. Telecom for Growth: Youth in Maiwut and Kauto are calling for expanded mobile network coverage, saying weak connectivity is hurting business, emergencies, and daily communication. Trade & Finance Fallout: A US court ordered South Sudan and the Bank of South Sudan to pay Qatar National Bank about $1.02bn over defaulted wartime loans, rejecting corruption claims. Agriculture & Climate: Yei farmers report a sharp first-season harvest drop blamed on prolonged dry spells. People & Inclusion: Light for the World urges better inclusion for persons with disabilities, using sports to push equal access in education and economic life. Health & Skills: Thirty South Sudanese medics complete a Chinese language training course to improve communication with Chinese counterparts. Global Context: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, adding to 25 new World Heritage sites worldwide.

AfDB Outlook: The African Development Bank projects South Sudan’s economy to grow 22% in 2026, citing improving oil exports and macro conditions, while warning heavy oil dependence leaves the country exposed to shocks. Elections & Civic Education: The UN commended the National Elections Commission for launching a nationwide civic and voter education campaign, urging inclusive, peaceful, and credible polls ahead of December 2026. Revenue at Borders: Government and the Lobong administration moved to harmonise tax collection at the Nimule border, aiming to cut revenue leakages by clearly defining national vs state revenue roles. Youth & Leadership: The National Youth Union is calling for at least a 20% youth leadership quota in political party lists before the December 2026 elections. Connectivity for Business: Maiwut youth in Upper Nile urged telecom firms and government to expand network coverage, saying unreliable service is disrupting business, emergencies, and online communication. Agriculture Hit by Climate: Farmers in Yei reported a sharp drop in maize harvests after prolonged dry spells, with training and support requested to improve yields. Legal Pressure on State Finances: A US court ordered South Sudan to pay Qatar National Bank about $1 billion over defaulted wartime loans, reinforcing an ICSID award. Peace Implementation Watch: RJMEC warned South Sudan’s peace process remains under strain as political, security, humanitarian, and economic challenges persist ahead of elections. UNESCO Spotlight: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape on the World Heritage List, boosting global visibility for conservation and tourism potential.

South Sudan Elections & Economy: The National Elections Commission launched a nationwide civic and voter education drive ahead of December 2026 polls, aiming to boost transparency and reduce disputes—an important step for investor confidence and economic recovery. Energy & Investment: A Bangladeshi delegation held talks in Juba on investing in South Sudan’s renewable energy, power generation and dam projects, as electricity access remains very low outside major towns. Trade & Revenue: A high-level reform committee arrived in Nimule to assess border operations and plug revenue leakages at the country’s main import-export gateway. Security & Governance: UNMAS and JICA handed over vehicles and mine-action equipment to South Sudan’s mine authority under a $2.2m grant, supporting safer surveys and explosive risk education. Human Rights Watch: HRW reported abuses by South Sudan’s army and allied militias in Nagero County, Western Equatoria, urging commanders implicated in abuses to be suspended and humanitarian access restored. Regional Health: Uganda declared itself Ebola-free after closing its 42-day surveillance period, while the DRC outbreak continues to surge.

US Visa Overhaul: The U.S. will stop routine visa processing at 25 African diplomatic posts from August 1, 2026, including Juba, redirecting applicants to 20 regional hubs across the continent. Border Revenue Push: A high-level economic reform committee has arrived in Nimule to assess border operations and curb revenue leakages at South Sudan’s main trade gateway. Elections & Civic Prep: The National Elections Commission launched a nationwide civic and voter education campaign ahead of the December 2026 general elections, aiming to boost transparency and reduce disputes. Telecom Costs: MTN, Zain and Digitel announced the second phase of tariff increases after NCA approval, raising prices for calls, data bundles and SMS from late July. Energy Investment Talks: A Bangladeshi delegation is exploring investment in South Sudan’s renewable power, electricity generation and dam projects. Mine Action Support: UNMAS and JICA handed over vehicles and equipment to strengthen South Sudan’s national mine action capacity. Ebola Watch Regionally: Uganda declared itself Ebola-free as deaths surge in DR Congo, keeping cross-border health concerns on the radar. Climate Risk: AfDB warns a “super” El Niño could cost Africa $10bn–$20bn and trigger mass migration, with GDP losses of 1%–2% in hardest-hit countries.

Telecom Costs Rise in South Sudan: MTN, Zain and Digitel say the NCA has approved the second phase of a tariff exchange-rate adjustment, effective midnight 26 July, pushing up prices for calls, data bundles and SMS. Border Peace for Trade: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil returned to Juba after Kajo-Keji–Arua talks with Uganda, focusing on security, civilian protection, customs cooperation and reactivating joint border committees to calm tensions and support cross-border trade. Elections Prep: South Sudan’s NEC launched a nationwide voter education campaign ahead of the 22 Dec 2026 general elections, stressing impartial civic messaging on registration, voting procedures and rights. SPLM Organising Drive: Eastern Equatoria SPLM began a four-day leadership meeting in Torit to strengthen party structures, peace and grassroots mobilisation for the 2026 polls. Climate Shock Watch: The AfDB warns a “super” El Niño could cut GDP growth in hardest-hit African countries by 1–2% and cost $10bn–$20bn, with knock-on effects for food, water and migration—risks that matter for South Sudan’s economy and food security. Health & Regional Risk: Congo’s Ebola outbreak surged to 3,200 confirmed cases with 1,405 deaths, raising concerns for the wider region as cross-border movement complicates containment. Conservation & Heritage: UNESCO added South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape to the World Heritage in Danger list, citing threats including insecurity and poaching—an economic and tourism signal for the country.

Elections & Civic Education: South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC) has launched a nationwide voter education campaign ahead of the December 22, 2026 general elections, with a Juba march and plans for countrywide civic sessions on registration, voting procedures, rights and peaceful participation. Telecom Costs: MTN South Sudan, Zain South Sudan and Digitel have implemented the second phase of tariff increases after an NCA-approved exchange-rate adjustment, raising prices for calls, data bundles and SMS from midnight Sunday, 26 July. Border Peace & Trade: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil returned to Juba after cross-border peace and security talks in Kajo-Keji and Uganda’s Arua, including measures to protect civilians, strengthen border security, and improve trade and customs cooperation. Community Dialogue: South Sudan and Uganda leaders urged the Kuku and Aringa communities to respect resolutions from the 6th joint border meeting, warning against inflammatory statements that could reignite tensions. Climate & Migration Risk: The AfDB warns a potential “super” El Niño could cost Africa $10bn–$20bn, cut GDP growth by 1%–2% in hardest-hit countries, and trigger mass displacement and deeper food insecurity. Health Crisis: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged to 3,200 confirmed cases with 1,405 deaths, while unpaid health workers at the epicenter have walked off the job, threatening response capacity. Heritage Under Threat: UNESCO added South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape to its World Heritage in Danger list amid conflict, poaching and limited capacity.

Rules of Origin Training: The WCO, with the EU, is building capacity for freight forwarders across the EAC by training customs and private-sector staff on preferential rules of origin, starting a March 2026 cycle for 149 employees to improve compliance and tariff benefits. World Bank Accountability: Nigerian lawyer Ibrahim Pam has been appointed Acting Director-General of the World Bank’s Compliance Advisor Ombudsman, effective August 2, to ensure continuity during leadership transition. Ebola & Cross-Border Risk: Congo’s Ebola outbreak is nearing 3,000 cases, with South Sudan flagged as high risk as transmission spreads northward and response teams struggle with tracking, lab shortages, and movement across borders. Climate Shock for Trade & Food: The AfDB warns a “super” El Niño could cut GDP growth by 1%–2% and cost Africa $10bn–$20bn, worsening food and water stress and straining public finances. Heritage Under Pressure: UNESCO added South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape to its World Heritage in Danger list amid conflict, poaching and limited capacity. Border Tensions & Livelihoods: South Sudan’s Governor Adil visited displaced families in Kajo-Keji and urged support for revived joint security and cross-border trade resolutions with Uganda. Tax Collection Tightening: South Sudan Revenue Authority now requires taxpayers to pay SSP tax liabilities through designated banks (not cash at offices), improving transparency while keeping digital payments via Capital Pay. Fuel Market Update: The Petroleum Ministry lifted restrictions on G2G fuel imports, allowing all qualified licensed importers to supply petroleum products pending review. EAC Monetary Moves: EAC central banks discussed building resilience by diversifying reserves through domestic gold purchases, with South Sudan included among partner states.

World Heritage & Conservation: UNESCO placed six sites on its World Heritage in Danger list, including South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, citing threats like commercial poaching, wildlife trafficking, infrastructure pressure, and insecurity. Tax & Liquidity: The South Sudan Revenue Authority says taxpayers must pay taxes assessed in South Sudanese Pounds through designated revenue collection banks, present bank slips to get receipts, and avoid cash payments at its offices; digital payments via Capital Pay continue. Oil Market Rules: The Ministry of Petroleum lifted restrictions on fuel imports under the G2G arrangement, allowing all qualified licensed importers to resume supplying petroleum products pending review. Deportees & Labour Migration: Cabinet approved a framework to manage deportees and returnees through official entry points and transit centres, and endorsed a national labour migration policy to protect workers and improve labour mobility. Regional Trade & Security: South Sudan and Uganda agreed to reactivate joint border security committees and resume technical work to re-mark their shared border by 2027, alongside steps to improve cross-border trade and migration coordination. Wildlife Protection: South Sudan’s wildlife authorities warned that poaching and habitat destruction remain major threats, calling for stronger enforcement and community involvement around the Great Nile Migration Landscape. Innovation for Business: East African researchers completed a BioInnovate Africa entrepreneurship boot camp in Nairobi, pitching investor-ready ventures in agriculture, food security, public health, and green manufacturing.

Elections & Transition Readiness: Analysts warn South Sudan’s first national vote set for 22 December 2026 will be imperfect, and another delay could worsen elite power struggles, weak institutions and unresolved security arrangements. Tax & Revenue Collection: South Sudan Revenue Authority moves taxpayers to pay SSP taxes through designated collection banks, with bank slips required for receipts, aiming to improve transparency and ease liquidity pressures (digital payments via Capital Pay continue). Deportees & Labour Mobility: Cabinet approved a framework to receive deported and returnees through official entry points and transit centres, alongside a national labour migration policy to protect workers and boost skills transfer. Fuel Market Reform: The Ministry of Petroleum lifts restrictions limiting fuel imports to the G2G arrangement, allowing all qualified licensed importers to supply petroleum products pending further review. Border Trade & Security: South Sudan and Uganda renewed border security cooperation, agreed to reactivate joint technical committees to re-mark the shared border by 2027, and pushed for smoother cross-border trade and migration coordination. Wildlife & Community Conservation: Authorities, African Parks and the EU say poaching and habitat loss remain major threats, calling for stronger enforcement and community participation around key conservation landscapes. Mining Governance Risk: The Acholi community warns that excluding local leaders from mineral exploration could spark future conflict unless consultation and benefits-sharing are addressed.

Tax & Revenue Reform: South Sudan Revenue Authority says taxpayers must pay all SSP tax liabilities through designated revenue collection banks, present the bank deposit slip to get a tax receipt, and avoid cash payments at its offices; digital payments via Capital Pay continue, aiming to improve transparency and tackle liquidity issues. Fuel Market Liberalisation: The Ministry of Petroleum lifts restrictions that limited fuel imports under the G2G arrangement, allowing all qualified licensed importers to resume supplying petroleum products pending a government review. Deportees & Labour Migration: Cabinet approved a framework for receiving deportees and returnees via official entry points and transit centres, plus a National Labour Migration Policy to protect migrant workers, boost skills transfer, and strengthen labour mobility. Regional Trade & Security: South Sudan and Uganda agreed to reactivate joint border security committees and resume technical work to re-mark their shared border by 2027, alongside plans to expand cross-border trade and cooperation on migration, health and refugees. Investment Climate at Local Level: Eastern Equatoria Governor calls for protection of lawful investments in Kapoeta after incidents where mining firms and property were destroyed, warning that violence discourages investors and jobs. EAC Monetary Integration: Bank of South Sudan signed the EAC communiqué reaffirming commitment to the East African Monetary Union by 2031. Innovation & Jobs: East African researchers complete a BioInnovate Africa entrepreneurship boot camp in Nairobi, pitching investor-ready ventures in agriculture, food security, public health and green manufacturing.