(JUBA) – The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) has joined government institutions and international partners in launching the Nimule One Stop Border Post (OSBP) Project, which aims to strengthen cross border trade with Uganda.
The launch and validation workshop, held on 16 September 2025 in Juba, was organised by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA) and financed by the European Union (EU).
The SSNBS Executive Director, Gloria Nyoka, praised the development partners for their support and pledged the government’s commitment to ensuring the project is completed successfully. She said the border facility will improve efficiency, reduce long waiting times, increase revenue collection, and help tackle smuggling.
“The Nimule border is a lifeline for South Sudan’s economy. Making it more efficient will support traders, attract more investment, and strengthen government revenues,” Nyoka said.
The Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority, Simon Akuei Deng, also attended alongside other senior government representatives. Officials stressed that the project will make cross border trade more predictable, benefiting both small-scale traders and large importers.
TradeMark Africa, which has led similar initiatives across East Africa, said the Nimule OSBP is expected to cut the cost of doing business by reducing duplication of customs and standards procedures at the border. By consolidating checks into a single system, the facility will speed up clearance for goods moving between Uganda and South Sudan.
Business analysts note that Nimule is South Sudan’s busiest border point, handling the bulk of imports, including food, fuel, and construction materials. Streamlining operations there could reduce costs for businesses and ultimately lower consumer prices.
At a time when the South Sudanese Pound (SSP) continues to depreciate against the US dollar at the market rate of SSP 7,100 per $1, improved trade facilitation could help stabilise supply and reduce inflationary pressures.
The EU has pledged continued technical and financial support to strengthen South Sudan’s integration into regional markets. Development partners believe that the Nimule OSBP will also promote transparency, making it easier to monitor trade flows and reduce opportunities for corruption.
The project is expected to be rolled out in phases, with government institutions, standards agencies, and revenue officials working closely with traders to ensure smooth implementation.
Nimule One Stop Border Post Project (September 2025)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Launch | 16 September 2025 |
| Location | Nimule Border, Juba County, South Sudan–Uganda route |
| Lead Institutions | UNOPS, TradeMark Africa (TMA), European Union (EU) funding |
| South Sudan Partners | SSNBS, South Sudan Revenue Authority, Ministry of Trade and Industry |
| Key Officials Present | Gloria Nyoka (SSNBS), Simon Akuei Deng (SSRA), senior government officials |
| Main Objectives | Improve border efficiency, reduce delays, increase revenue, curb smuggling |
| Economic Importance | Nimule is South Sudan’s busiest trade route, handling food, fuel, materials |
| Expected Business Benefits | Lower costs for traders, faster clearance, reduced corruption, better supply chains |
| Currency Context | $1 = SSP 7,100 (market rate, Sept 2025) |
| Regional Impact | Strengthens cross-border trade with Uganda, supports regional market access |
