(JUBA COUNTY) – South Sudan has taken a step to strengthen food safety and quality assurance following the signing of a new cooperation agreement between the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards and the World Food Programme.
The agreement, signed in Juba, provides for the refurbishment of the SSNBS laboratory, a key facility responsible for testing products and enforcing national standards. The partnership is expected to improve the bureau’s technical capacity and support safer products in local markets.
Speaking after the signing, SSNBS Executive Director Gloria Nyoka Joseph said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to improving quality assurance systems and protecting public health. She noted that the partnership goes beyond physical upgrades and focuses on building long term capacity.
According to SSNBS, improved laboratory facilities will strengthen testing services and help ensure compliance with national standards. This is expected to support domestic trade and improve confidence in goods sold within South Sudan.
The upgraded laboratory is also expected to support businesses by providing more reliable testing services. Better quality control can reduce disputes, lower risks for consumers and help firms meet required standards.
SSNBS said enhanced testing capacity will also support trade by improving the credibility of South Sudanese products. Stronger standards systems are considered important for building trust among traders, consumers and development partners.
The World Food Programme has been a long standing partner in South Sudan’s food security and market support efforts. Through this agreement, WFP will support the refurbishment works as part of its broader engagement with national institutions.
SSNBS thanked WFP for the continued collaboration and said the bureau remains committed to building strong and sustainable partnerships that improve national quality infrastructure.
The bureau added that cooperation with development partners is essential to achieving lasting improvements in food safety and standards enforcement across the country.
Key expected outcomes of the partnership include:
| Area | Expected Impact |
|---|---|
| Laboratory facilities | Improved testing capacity |
| Food safety | Stronger consumer protection |
| Standards compliance | Better enforcement |
| Trade confidence | Increased trust in markets |
The SSNBS WFP partnership is expected to play a role in improving product quality, supporting businesses and protecting public health as South Sudan works to strengthen its regulatory institutions.