(ROME) – South Sudan is participating in the 48th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, where its delegation is working with other African countries to strengthen regional cooperation and improve the continent’s voice in global food safety and quality standards.
The delegation is led by the Executive Director of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards, Hon Gloria Nyoka Joseph. She is joined by the Chairperson of the National Codex Committee, Dr Rita, and the Director General for Technical Operations, Ashjan Paulino Edward. The meeting is taking place at the Food and Agriculture Organisation Headquarters in Rome.
Officials said South Sudan’s participation reflects its intention to become more active in shaping rules that guide food safety and food trade around the world. The Codex Alimentarius Commission sets the main global standards for food quality, consumer protection, and fair trade practices. These standards influence how countries trade food products and regulate imports and exports.
During a side meeting with other African states, the South Sudan delegation discussed ways to improve regional coordination so that African countries can have a stronger and more unified role in Codex decision making. Delegates also attended the ceremony in which The Gambia took over the role of Codex Africa Coordinator, replacing Uganda.
South Sudan National Bureau of Standards officials said attending Codex sessions helps the country improve its national quality infrastructure and gain access to technical knowledge needed to upgrade food safety rules at home. They added that this is important for consumer protection, public health, and access to international markets.
The Bureau said South Sudan’s participation also helps the country align its regulations with global best practice, which will make it easier for local producers to access regional and global food markets. It added that improved standards can create new business opportunities for farmers, processors, and exporters in South Sudan.
Officials noted that being part of Codex meetings allows the country to present its interests, learn from other nations, and raise issues that affect food trade in the region. They said that building strong national standards systems will support the country’s ambitions for economic diversification and higher value agricultural exports.
According to a statement from the Standards Bureau, South Sudan will continue to work with international partners to upgrade its technical capacity in food safety, inspection, and certification as it seeks to strengthen its role in regional and global trade.
South Sudan at the 48th Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC48)
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Event | 48th Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC48) |
| Date | 13 November 2025 |
| Location | FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy |
| South Sudan Lead Delegate | Hon Gloria Nyoka Joseph, Executive Director, SSNBS |
| Other Delegates | Dr Rita (National Codex Committee), Ashjan Paulino Edward (Technical Operations) |
| Main Purpose | Strengthen participation in global food safety and quality standards |
| Regional Engagement | Joined African countries in a side meeting to improve regional coordination |
| Key Development | The Gambia assumed role of Codex Africa Coordinator, taking over from Uganda |
| Importance for South Sudan | Enhances food safety rules, supports trade, builds technical capacity |
| Expected Outcomes | Better regulatory alignment, improved national quality systems, stronger voice in global food trade |