(JUBA) – The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the World Food Programme to support the refurbishment of the Bureau’s laboratory in Juba, a move expected to strengthen quality control systems that are critical for trade, food safety and consumer protection in South Sudan.
The agreement sets out a partnership under which the World Food Programme will support improvements to the laboratory infrastructure and testing capacity of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards. Once refurbished and properly equipped, the laboratory is expected to provide more reliable and efficient testing services for imported and locally produced goods.
The partnership is seen as an important step in improving South Sudan’s quality infrastructure, which plays a key role in supporting domestic businesses, cross border trade and public health protection. Strong laboratory services help ensure that products entering the market meet national standards, reducing risks linked to unsafe food and substandard goods.
With improved facilities, the Bureau will be better placed to carry out its mandate of enforcing standards and certification requirements. This is particularly relevant for traders, manufacturers and importers who rely on credible testing and certification to access markets within South Sudan and the wider region.
Officials say the upgraded laboratory will also support trade facilitation by reducing delays linked to product testing and inspection. Faster and more accurate testing can lower costs for businesses and improve confidence among trading partners, which is important for an economy that depends heavily on imports and humanitarian supply chains.
The leadership of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards, led by Hon. Gloria Nyoka, welcomed the agreement and thanked the World Food Programme for its continued support. The Bureau reaffirmed its commitment to building strong and sustainable partnerships that support public health, quality assurance and economic development.
The World Food Programme has been a long standing partner in South Sudan, supporting food security and logistics across the country. Its involvement in strengthening laboratory capacity reflects a broader effort to improve systems that underpin safe food supply chains and effective regulation.
The collaboration comes at a time when South Sudan is seeking to strengthen institutions that support private sector growth and consumer protection. Reliable standards and testing services are increasingly important as the country works to formalise trade and improve compliance with regional and international requirements.
Expected impact of the laboratory refurbishment
| Area | Expected outcome |
|---|---|
| Food safety | Improved testing of food products to protect consumers |
| Trade | Faster certification and reduced delays for traders |
| Public health | Better detection of unsafe or substandard goods |
| Business confidence | Increased trust in national standards and testing |
The refurbishment of the SSNBS laboratory is expected to support a more predictable business environment by ensuring that standards are applied consistently. For businesses operating in South Sudan, this can translate into clearer rules, lower compliance risks and improved access to markets.
In a statement released online the national standards bureau stated Memorandum of Understanding reflects a shared objective to strengthen national systems that support economic activity while safeguarding public health. Both parties indicated that the partnership will focus on practical improvements that deliver long term benefits for South Sudan’s economy and its people.