AGP Executive Report

Infrastructure & Aviation: An opinion piece argues Malakal Airport needs urgent presidential attention, citing years of neglect after the 2013–2016 war—passengers reportedly still wait in harsh weather and staff operate from plastic tents, while ticket costs remain high. AI for Everyday Use: Google says Ask Gemini in Chrome is rolling out to South Sudan along with Kenya, Nigeria and more African markets, aiming to make the browser more helpful for finding and understanding information. Power & Grid Stability: A China grid-forming renewable project has moved into full civil construction for a 220 kV step-up substation, targeting better voltage and frequency control as wind/solar/storage grow. Public Justice Tech: UNDP and South Sudan’s Judiciary launched a Gender-Based Violence and Juvenile Mobile Court at Juba Central Prison, running for 30 days to cut case backlogs and bring services closer to communities. Climate Youth Mobilization: South Sudan’s Climate Youth Ecumenical Summit (Climate YES) launched in Juba to organize young people across states to push for climate justice and practical resilience against flooding, drought and heatwaves. Health & Safety: UNDP-backed mobile court and broader health preparedness sit alongside global Ebola-related travel and quarantine debates, including legal questions and public pushback in the region.

Soil Science Breakthrough: A new global digital map reveals arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi networks stretching about 110 quadrillion km under Earth, showing how these underground partners feed plants and help regulate climate. AI for Browsing: Google expands “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, bringing built-in AI search and help to more African users. Power Stability Tech: China’s grid-forming renewable project moves into civil construction for a 220 kV step-up substation, aiming to keep electricity stable as wind, solar and storage grow. Health & Justice in South Sudan: UNDP and South Sudan’s Judiciary launch a 30-day mobile court for GBV and juvenile cases at Juba Central Prison, starting June 11. Ebola Vaccine R&D: Public Health Vaccines wins a new BARDA option worth $33M+ to advance Sudan ebolavirus and Bundibugyo ebolavirus vaccine candidates. Youth Climate Action: South Sudanese Christian youth launch the Climate Youth Ecumenical Summit (Climate YES) to push climate justice and community resilience nationwide. Digital Trade Push: East Africa accelerates digital customs reforms to cut border delays, using online declarations and cargo tracking to speed regional commerce. Governance & Elections: South Sudan’s Political Parties Council orders parties to submit audited financial reports by early July or face penalties.

AI for everyday browsing: Google says Ask Gemini in Chrome has expanded to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, bringing built-in AI search and help to more African users. Environment & infrastructure pressure: Mozambique’s Nacala Corridor upgrades are linked to accelerating deforestation, raising alarms about weak protection measures. Public health & Ebola readiness: South Sudan’s mobile surveillance success story highlights how fast isolation and contact tracing can stop outbreaks before they grow. Justice access in Juba: UNDP and South Sudan’s Judiciary launched a 30-day mobile GBV and juvenile court at Juba Central Prison to clear backlogs and speed survivor-centered hearings. Ebola vaccine R&D funding: Public Health Vaccines won a new BARDA option worth $33M+ to advance Sudan ebolavirus and Bundibugyo ebolavirus vaccine candidates. Digital trade & regional integration: East Africa’s digital customs push and a planned EAC–Singapore free trade talks signal more tech-enabled cross-border commerce. Elections compliance: South Sudan’s Political Parties Council told parties to submit audited financial reports by early July or face penalties. Climate youth organizing: Young people launched Climate YES in Juba to push climate justice and practical resilience across states and counties.

Digital Justice in Juba: UNDP and South Sudan’s Judiciary launched a 30-day GBV and Juvenile Mobile Court at Juba Central Prison, starting June 11, to cut case backlogs and bring survivor-centered hearings closer to communities. Election Tech & Party Compliance: The Political Parties Council (PPC) trained parties in Juba and warned registered groups to submit audited financial reports by early July or face penalties, including possible disqualification, while rolling out a digital registration system to improve transparency. ICT for Governance: UNDP and AfDB handed over laptops to South Sudan institutions (TNLA finance bodies, Ministry of Finance and Planning, and the Bank of South Sudan) to strengthen data use for policymaking and economic oversight. Climate Youth Mobilization: South Sudan launched the Climate Youth Ecumenical Summit (Climate YES) to unite young people across states and counties for climate justice and practical action against flooding, drought, heatwaves, and displacement. Entrepreneurship & Resilience: New research on the DREAMS program reports big gains for refugee and host households in East Africa, including higher consumption, savings, and assets—useful lessons for local livelihoods support. Ebola R&D Funding: U.S. BARDA awarded Public Health Vaccines an added $33m+ option to advance Sudan ebolavirus and Bundibugyo ebolavirus vaccine candidates using an rVSV platform.

Elections & Party Systems: South Sudan’s Political Parties Council (PPC) has launched a five-day training in Juba and warned registered parties to submit audited financial reports by the first week of July, or face administrative penalties that could include disqualification—pushing transparency ahead of the December 2026 vote. Public Sector Tech & Data: UNDP and the African Development Bank handed over laptop computers to South Sudan’s finance and planning bodies, the Parliamentary Research Centre, and the Bank of South Sudan to strengthen data use for policymaking, economic planning, research, and oversight. Local Infrastructure & Planning: Yei River County’s commissioner visited the Housing, Land, and Physical Infrastructure department, where officials briefed on land administration, physical planning, housing, roads and bridges, survey work, and infrastructure delivery—while citing transport limits for field monitoring. Aviation Upgrade: Wau Regional Airport is getting a major upgrade, including a new control tower and passenger terminals, with officials saying completion is expected in about 7–8 months and radar facilities reviewed. Health Tech Funding (Regional): U.S. BARDA awarded Public Health Vaccines an added option worth over $33 million to advance Sudan ebolavirus and Bundibugyo ebolavirus vaccine candidates, highlighting ongoing filovirus research relevant to outbreaks affecting the region.

Ebola Response Meets Public Backlash: Kenyan police shot and killed a protester in Nanyuki during demonstrations against a planned U.S. Ebola quarantine centre, as locals accuse Washington of offloading risk onto a densely populated area. Vaccine R&D Boost: In the U.S., BARDA awarded Public Health Vaccines an added option worth over $33m to advance a Sudan ebolavirus vaccine candidate and two Bundibugyo ebolavirus candidates using an rVSV platform. DRC Outbreak Update: The Democratic Republic of Congo reported 101 confirmed Ebola deaths and 35 new confirmed cases in 24 hours, with armed groups limiting access in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. South Sudan Election Tech & Compliance: Juba’s Political Parties Council launched a five-day training and ordered parties to submit audited financial reports by early July, warning of penalties and possible disqualification; it also highlighted a new digital registration system for transparency. Digital Trade Systems: East Africa’s digital customs reforms are speeding cross-border commerce, with e-declarations, tracking and online certificates helping reduce delays for goods moving through the region. ICT for Governance: UNDP and AfDB handed over laptops to South Sudan government institutions to strengthen data use for economic planning and oversight. Infrastructure for Connectivity: Work to upgrade Wau Regional Airport to international standards is underway, including radar and air traffic management inspections.

Ebola Response: DR Congo reports 101 confirmed Ebola deaths and 35 new confirmed cases in 24 hours, with armed groups in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu limiting humanitarian access and slowing the fight. Public Health vs Politics: In South Sudan, renewed election talk after President Salva Kiir’s Bahr el Ghazal tour is being challenged by calls to prioritize Ebola preparedness—surveillance, contact tracing, labs, isolation and public awareness—amid importation risks from Congo and Uganda. Digital Governance for Elections: The Political Parties Council (PPC) runs a five-day Juba workshop to strengthen party systems, including governance, conflict resolution and digital operations, highlighting a new digital registration system aimed at transparency and preventing duplicate memberships. ICT for Economic Oversight: UNDP and AfDB hand over 72 computers to South Sudan’s finance and planning bodies and the Bank of South Sudan to boost data-driven policymaking and accountability. Digital Finance for SMEs: DigiCash and Inkomoko expand mobile-wallet lending and payments for small businesses, targeting cash shortages with 3,000 retail outlets for withdrawals. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Wau airport gets a major upgrade with a new control tower and terminals, while KPA pushes ahead with Mombasa port expansion via a new berth to handle larger ships. AI and Capacity Gap: A commentary argues South Sudan’s AI ambitions must start with education and health realities, noting millions of children are out of school and maternal health needs remain urgent.

Ebola Response Tech & Aid: Dubai delivered 20 tonnes of Ebola medical supplies to DR Congo, including tents, disinfectants, PPE and thermometers, targeting about 280 health centres over four weeks. South Sudan Digital Governance: UNDP and AfDB handed over 72 computers to South Sudan government institutions to boost data use for policymaking, economic planning and oversight. Elections & Digital Party Systems: South Sudan’s Political Parties Council launched a five-day training in Juba to prepare parties for December elections, with a new digital registration system aimed at transparency and preventing duplicate enrolments. Infrastructure Upgrades: Wau airport is getting a major upgrade—new control tower and passenger terminals—expected in 7–8 months, alongside checks on radar and air traffic systems. Ports & Trade Logistics: Kenya Ports Authority is expanding Mombasa port with construction of berth 19B, adding 240 metres of quay and deeper draft capacity for larger container ships. Digital Finance for SMEs: DigiCash and Inkomoko partnered to expand mobile financial services for small businesses, using mobile wallets and cash-out outlets to reduce cash shortages. Ebola Risk Monitoring Abroad: A Ugandan woman in Jaipur tested negative after Ebola-like symptoms, while Germany discharged a U.S. doctor after negative tests following Bundibugyo-strain treatment. AI Policy Reality Check (Opinion): A South Sudan AI piece argues tech ambitions must start with education and health access, citing high out-of-school numbers and maternal mortality.

Renewable Energy Resilience: A new analysis from Uganda highlights how solar is becoming “living infrastructure,” designed to keep working despite weak grids, limited financing, and harsh conditions. Aviation Upgrades: South Sudan’s Wau Regional Airport is getting a new control tower and passenger terminals, with officials saying completion could take about 7–8 months, alongside radar and air-traffic checks. Digital Finance for SMEs: DigiCash and Inkomoko launched a partnership to expand mobile money access for small businesses in South Sudan, aiming to reduce cash shortages by enabling wallet-based payments and loan access. AI, But With Real Needs: An opinion piece argues South Sudan’s AI ambitions must start with education and health basics, citing millions of out-of-school children and high maternal mortality. Ebola Cross-Border Tech & Policy: UAE announced a travel ban on DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan to curb Ebola spread, while reports track Ebola testing updates and new preparedness funding for response capacity across the region. Peacekeeping Under Pressure: UN commemorations for fallen peacekeepers come amid renewed warnings that shrinking resources are leaving missions—especially in Africa—under strain.

Ebola Response & Travel Rules: The UAE has halted new visas and entry for travelers from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan as Ebola risk rises, with only limited exceptions for people who spent 21 days in a non-restricted third country; Public Health Updates: A U.S. doctor infected with Ebola (Bundibugyo strain) was discharged from a Berlin hospital after testing negative, while India reported suspected Ebola cases in Rajasthan after airport screening flagged travelers from Uganda; Tech for Frontline Care: In the DRC’s hard-to-reach mining areas, Starlink satellite kits were donated to help medical teams communicate where mobile networks are scarce; Aviation Upgrades: South Sudan launched a major upgrade of Wau Regional Airport, including new control tower and terminals, plus radar inspections; Digital Finance: DigiCash and Inkomoko partnered to expand mobile money access for small businesses in South Sudan, aiming to reduce cash shortages; Economic Governance Tech: UNDP and AfDB handed ICT equipment to South Sudan institutions to strengthen data-driven economic planning and oversight.

Ebola Update (Germany): A U.S. doctor who contracted Ebola while working in Congo has been discharged from a Berlin hospital after treatment and repeated negative tests; his family members were quarantined and none developed symptoms. Ebola Watch (India): Rajasthan health authorities reported an Ebola-like case in Jaipur after a Ugandan tourist was flagged during airport screening; samples were sent for lab testing, while a separate Sudanese traveler was also isolated in Hyderabad for observation. Ebola Risk (Modeling): U.S. health officials say the Central Africa outbreak could reach 20,000 cases or more if isolation and other public health measures lag. Public Health Planning (Africa): WHO and Africa CDC backed a six-month joint preparedness and response plan for the Bundibugyo strain, aiming to strengthen surveillance, labs, clinical care, and community engagement. South Sudan Tech & Finance: DigiCash and Inkomoko partnered to expand digital finance for small businesses via mobile wallets and cash-out outlets. Governance Tech: UNDP and AfDB handed ICT equipment to South Sudan institutions to boost data-driven economic planning. Energy & Industry: GPOC hit its highest oil output in nearly two decades, reaching 60,158 bpd. Agriculture & Food Security: South Sudan leaders renewed commitments to shift farmers toward commercial, climate-smart production.

Digital Finance for SMEs: DigiCash and Inkomoko partnered to expand mobile digital finance for thousands of small businesses, aiming to reduce cash shortages by letting customers receive loans, pay bills, and transfer money electronically, with cash-out supported by 3,000 retail outlets. Health Tech & Preparedness: South Sudan’s AI ambitions face a reality check—education and healthcare access must come first, as millions of children are out of school and maternal health remains critical. Ebola Watch (Regional): Ebola fears keep spreading across borders and airports, with new modelling warning Central Africa outbreaks could reach 20,000 cases without strong isolation and response, while EAC health ministers push harmonised surveillance measures. Economic Governance Tools: UNDP and AfDB handed ICT equipment to South Sudan institutions to strengthen data-driven economic planning and oversight, including laptops for finance and parliamentary research bodies. Oil Sector Tech & Output: South Sudan’s petroleum output continues climbing, with GPOC reporting major gains tied to residual recovery studies, drilling, and infrastructure upgrades. Agriculture & Food Security: Central Equatoria’s governor and the agriculture minister renewed commitments to shift farmers toward commercial, climate-smart production to boost productivity and reduce import dependence.

Ebola & Cross-Border Health Tech: U.S. CDC modeling warns Central Africa’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak could reach 20,000+ cases without fast isolation and strong public health action, as WHO reports confirmed figures revised to 344 cases and 60 deaths in the DRC and leaders push contact tracing and treatment support. Regional Preparedness: East African Community health ministers agreed to harmonize Ebola surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports, and land borders, setting up a regional technical taskforce; Germany’s KfW also pledged €1m for mobile labs, diagnostics, and lab training across the region. South Sudan Relevance: India’s health alerts list South Sudan among high-risk transmission areas, while Kenya intensifies risk-based screening and says it has not confirmed Ebola cases; meanwhile, South Sudan’s oil sector continues to invest in upgrades as crude output rises. Oil & Infrastructure: South Sudan reports major gains—GPOC output reaching 60,158 bpd (and another report citing 174,000 bpd)—driven by residual recovery studies, drilling, and infrastructure upgrades. ICT for Governance: UNDP and AfDB delivered laptops to South Sudan’s finance and parliamentary research bodies to boost data-driven economic planning and oversight. Agriculture & Food Security: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil and Agriculture Minister Clement Juma renewed commitments to shift farmers toward commercial, climate-smart production and attract private investment. Finance & Cooperatives: Co-op Bank of South Sudan convened 41 cooperative societies in Northern Bahr el Ghazal to strengthen food security, market access, and grassroots economic resilience.

Ebola Risk Modeling: U.S. CDC analysis warns Central Africa’s Ebola outbreak could reach 10,000 to 20,000+ cases depending on how fast infected people are isolated, with experts stressing the numbers are uncertain but the trajectory is dangerous. Regional Health Coordination: East African Community health ministers agreed to harmonize Ebola surveillance and protective measures across airports, ports, and land borders, and set up a regional technical taskforce to coordinate response. South Sudan Food & Farm Tech Push: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil and Agriculture Minister Clement Juma renewed commitments to shift farmers from subsistence to commercial farming, backed by climate-smart technologies and private investment. ICT for Economic Governance: UNDP and AfDB handed over laptops to South Sudan’s finance institutions and parliamentary bodies to strengthen data-driven planning and oversight. Oil Output Boost: GPOC reported crude production rising to about 60,158 barrels per day, South Sudan’s strongest performance in nearly two decades, driven by residual recovery studies, drilling, and infrastructure upgrades. Co-op Banking for Food Security: Co-operative Bank of South Sudan convened 41 co-operatives forum in Aweil to improve productivity, market access, and economic resilience. Healthcare Workforce Pressure: Lakes State nurses and midwives urged better working conditions, citing delayed salaries, shortages, and limited supplies.

Smart City Tech: A Chinese delegation is in Juba for a 20-day technical assessment for a “smart city” plan, with reviews at about 50 sites to shape security and urban management upgrades ahead of December elections. Oil & Infrastructure: South Sudan says GPOC output has jumped to 60,158 barrels per day (and total daily production now put at 174,000 bpd), citing residual oil recovery studies, new drilling, and infrastructure upgrades despite steep declines in mature fields. Public Health Tech & Borders: EAC health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures across airports, ports, and land borders, including a regional technical taskforce; Germany also pledged €1m for mobile labs, diagnostics, and lab training. Digital Services: South Sudan’s civil registry and immigration directorate is deploying an online passport processing system linking applications from Cairo directly to Juba’s database to cut delays for citizens abroad. AI in Media: South Sudan’s Media Authority urged journalists to use AI responsibly, verify AI content origins, and invest in training and digital newsroom capacity. Education Systems: The Ministry released 2025 CSE results with an 80.7% pass rate, while NEC nullified Nimule Model Secondary School results over exam rule breaches.

Ebola Cross-Border Response: East African Community health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protection at airports, ports and land borders, and set up a regional technical taskforce to coordinate the response as the Bundibugyo outbreak in DRC and Uganda keeps expanding. World Cup Health Measures: With FIFA World Cup travel underway, U.S., Canada and Mexico said they’re coordinating precautions to protect players and visitors, while WHO urged countries to lift some travel restrictions. South Sudan Oil Update: South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum says crude output has climbed to 174,000 barrels per day, citing residual recovery studies, drilling and infrastructure upgrades; President Kiir urged stakeholders to keep oil fields stable and push production higher. Smart City Tech Push: A Chinese delegation arrived for a 20-day assessment for Juba’s smart city plan, including security and urban management upgrades across about 50 sites. Media & AI Skills: South Sudan’s Media Authority urged journalists to use AI responsibly, verify AI content origins, and invest in training and digital newsroom capacity. Education Results: South Sudan released 2025 CSE results with an 80.7% pass rate, while NEC nullified Nimule Model Secondary School results over exam rule breaches.