(JUBA) – The South Sudan Ministry of Trade and Industry has launched a national workshop to raise awareness on the implementation of Harmonized African Standards, focusing on the automotive industry.
The event, held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the Pyramid Continental Hotel in Juba, was officially opened by Minister of Trade and Industry Hon Atong Kuol Manyang and organised by the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards.
The workshop aimed to address urgent safety concerns in the automotive sector while aligning South Sudan’s regulations with continental standards. Officials and industry representatives emphasised that adherence to quality standards is critical across all stages of a vehicle’s life, from manufacturing to road use.
Key recommendations from the workshop included encouraging collective action from government bodies, public institutions, private businesses and citizens to maintain safety standards. Participants were urged to harmonize South Sudan’s automotive standards with broader African frameworks to facilitate safer trade and transport. Organisers also highlighted the importance of continued dialogue to develop a comprehensive and actionable implementation plan.
Speakers addressed the vital role of transport safety, citing personal experiences with unsafe aircraft in South Sudan as an illustration of the broader need for stricter safety measures. They stressed that the safety of all vehicles, including cars and planes, is a national priority.
Transport Safety Workshop Opens in Capital
| Focus Area | Objective | Stakeholders Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Manufacturing Standards | Ensure vehicles meet continental quality standards | Government, manufacturers, regulators |
| Road Safety Measures | Reduce accidents and fatalities | Drivers, transport companies, regulators |
| Regulatory Harmonization | Align national standards with African frameworks | Trade ministry, national bureau, private sector |
| Public Awareness | Educate citizens on safety practices | General public, schools, media |