GOOD NEWS! CALL FOR APPLICATIONS — NATIONAL ARSO ESSAY COMPETITION 2025/2026

The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) is pleased to announce the Call for Interest for the National ARSO Essay Competition 2025/2026 — an exciting opportunity exclusively for higher education students to showcase their ideas on continental trade, harmonized standards, and Africa’s economic transformation Theme: “The role of harmonised standards in reducing Technical Barriers to Trade and in promoting fair and just trade within the Intra-African and Global Trade.” This competition offers a platform for students and young professionals to contribute fresh perspectives toward Africa’s economic integration and global competitiveness. It is also a golden chance to represent South Sudan at regional and continental levels. For more information, please contact us at: 📧 info@ssnbs.gov.ss / pal@ssnbs.gov.ss

SSNBS Launches Validation Workshop on Codex, SPS, and Food Safety Policy Briefs

The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) today officially opened the Validation Workshop on the Proposed Four Policy Briefs in Key Value Chains under the Codex, SPS, and Food Safety Committee. The workshop was opened by the Executive Director and the Director General for Technical Operations, who emphasized the importance of strengthening national food safety systems and quality infrastructure. The Director General noted that “Codex at the national level is the cornerstone of food safety. Without a strong SPS framework, ensuring food safety is not possible. This is a collective responsibility that requires everyone’s effort to prevent food hazards. The Executive Director commended the participants for their dedication and extended special appreciation to UN FAO for their steadfast support, as well as to Mr. Omung’ala Akolo from IMSAfrica, the consultant and facilitator of the workshop. She emphasized, “Food safety is everyone’s responsibility, and the outcomes of this workshop will play a pivotal role in shaping South Sudan’s national food safety policy. The event also coincides with the celebration of World Standards Day under the theme “Shared Vision for a better World”, a moment to recognize the vital role of standards and experts working to ensure a safer and more sustainable future for all.

The ISO Annual Meeting 2025 is officially underway in Kigali, Rwanda!

October 06, 2025 Hosted by the Rwanda Standards Board, this global gathering unites leaders, innovators, and changemakers shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future through International Standards. Representing South Sudan, the delegation from the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) led by Executive Director, Hon. Gloria Nyoka Joseph, is proudly participating in this year’s event under the theme “United for Impact.” Throughout the week, discussions will focus on key topics such as sustainable trade, digital transformation, responsible AI, youth leadership in agriculture, clean energy, and biodiversity as a business priority. Together, we’re building systems that foster trust, amplify every voice, and drive lasting impact through standards.

SSNBS Hosts ARSO Secretary General on Courtesy Visits to Key Ministries

The Executive Director of SSNBS, Hon. Gloria Nyoka, together with African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) Secretary General, Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana, paid courtesy visits to the Ministries of Environment & Forestry, Transport, Roads & Bridges, and Trade & Industry. Discussions focused on the role of Standards in ensuring environmental protection, road safety, quality infrastructure development, SME support, and the role of standards across all sectors. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to work with SSNBS and ARSO in adopting and enforcing standards that drive safety, quality, and economic growth. Dr. Nsengimana commended South Sudan’s efforts and pledged ARSO’s continued support in standards harmonization, accreditation, and capacity building.

Minister of Trade and Industry visited SSNBS

Hon. Minister of Trade and Industry Visits SSNBSAugust 7, 2025Juba, Republic of South Sudan The Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk, paid an official visit to the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) accompanied by her Technical Advisor, Undersecretary, legal advisors and DGs. She was received by the top management of the Bureau, led by the Executive Director, Hon. Gloria Nyoka. As part of her visit, the Minister toured various SSNBS stations, including the Central Laboratory and Metrology Department, where she observed the Bureau’s work firsthand. The visit concluded with an official reception held at the SSNBS headquarters.During the reception, a staff representative expressed appreciation to the Minister on behalf of all SSNBS employees, acknowledging her leadership and reaffirming the team’s commitment under the guidance of Hon. Gloria Nyoka to uphold the Bureau’s mandate. In his remarks, Hon. Ustaz Yel Luol Koor, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, highlighted the critical role SSNBS plays in national defense by ensuring consumer protection through quality assurance and conformity assessment. He assured the gathering that the Ministry remains committed to supporting SSNBS in protecting citizens and underscored that the Bureau serves as “the eye of the nation.” Hon. Gloria Nyoka extended her gratitude to the Minister for visiting both the SSNBS site and headquarters. She reiterated the commitment and dedication of SSNBS staff to safeguarding the nation through standardization and quality infrastructure. She also pointed out key achievements of the Bureau and outlined current challenges, including the need for technical support in areas such as laboratory functionality, staff welfare, and capacity building. She concluded by assuring the Minister that SSNBS is working tirelessly to achieve its vision and mission of ensuring quality and safety for the people and environment of South Sudan.In her closing remarks, Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk commended the leadership and staff of SSNBS for their professionalism and technical expertise. She praised the technical expertise demonstrated throughout the tour and underscored the Bureau’s vital role as the frontline institution in safeguarding national security through quality assurance and conformity assessment. The Minister pledged the Ministry’s continued support toward modernizing SSNBS — including upgrading laboratories, enhancing capacity, and addressing institutional needs — to build public trust and attract investment. She concluded by thanking the leadership and staff once again, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening SSNBS in its national mandate.

The first inaugural general meeting

The first inaugural general meeting convened on Friday at the Bureau of Standards Headquarters, making it the first assembly since the appointment of the Executive Director. Various speakers elucidated the bureau’s pivotal role in upholding national standards and fortifying the country’s integrity. Addressing the staff, the Executive Director expressed gratitude for their dedication and underscored the importance of their roles. She emphasized that the bureau builds upon a solid foundation, acknowledging the contributions of predecessors in establishing its legacy. Furthermore, she reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to compliance with National regulations, emphasizing its mission to safeguard and elevate the country’s standards. She assured all the staff and stakeholders that the Bureau of Standards remains steadfast in its pursuit of national quality benchmark, dedication to both safeguarding and promoting the nation’s standards.