SSNBS Strengthens Strategic Partnership with FAO to Enhance Laboratory Capacity and Food Safety Systems
14 April 2026 SSNBS HQ, Juba The Executive Director of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS), Hon. Oiylang Dominic Kanuto, today hosted a high-level meeting with the Acting Country Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Mr. Felix Dzrurami, and his delegation at the SSNBS Headquarters in Juba. The engagement focused on key areas of collaboration, notably the rehabilitation and equipping of the SSNBS Central and Nimule Laboratory, progress under the AMVAT Project, and the implementation of the CRAFT Project. In his remarks, Hon. Oiylang expressed sincere appreciation to FAO for its continued technical and financial support. He underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in strengthening the national quality infrastructure, safeguarding consumer health and safety, and facilitating trade. He further highlighted the pivotal role of SSNBS in conformity assessment and standards harmonization, particularly given South Sudan’s heavy reliance on imported goods. Mr. Felix Dzrurami reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to supporting SSNBS, emphasizing that robust standards systems are essential for ensuring product safety, improving market access, and driving sustainable economic growth. He further provided updates on ongoing and planned interventions, including the provision of laboratory equipment, capacity building initiatives, and technical assistance towards achieving ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. SSNBS reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with development partners, recognizing that sustained partnerships are critical to advancing national quality infrastructure, enhancing food safety systems, and supporting the country’s socio-economic development.
EAC Peer Assessment Kicks Off at SSNBS Headquarters
Juba, South Sudan | 8–10 April 2026 The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) has officially launched a three-day East African Community (EAC) Peer Inspection Assessment at its headquarters in Juba. The exercise brings together a team of regional experts to evaluate and strengthen inspection systems in line with EAC harmonization efforts. The assessment is part of ongoing regional initiatives aimed at aligning import and export inspection procedures across EAC Partner States. It focuses on enhancing compliance with international standards, including ISO and ISO/IEC frameworks, as well as EAC harmonized guidelines for pre-packaged foods. During the assessment, the expert team will conduct a comprehensive review of SSNBS regulatory frameworks, operational procedures, and inspection systems. Particular attention will be given to widely consumed products such as grains, pulses, fruits, spices, and pre-packaged foods due to their direct impact on public health and consumer safety. In addition to evaluation, the exercise serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and institutional learning. It enables the sharing of best practices, identification of improvement areas, and strengthening of collaboration among EAC Partner States. The outcomes of this assessment are expected to enhance the consistency, transparency, and reliability of inspection systems in South Sudan, thereby facilitating safe trade and boosting consumer confidence. SSNBS reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding public health, protecting consumers, and ensuring that all goods entering the market meet required national, regional, and international standards.
SSNBS Engages Pakistani Consulate on Strengthening Cooperation
08 April 2026 SSNBS Headquarter, Juba The Executive Director of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS), Hon. Oiylang Dominic, today received representatives from the Pakistani Consulate at his office in Juba. The meeting focused on exploring areas of mutual cooperation, particularly in conformity assessment, and strengthening bilateral relations between SSNBS and Pakistan’s national standards body. Both sides expressed a shared interest in building a collaborative framework that will enhance quality infrastructure and knowledge exchange. The Pakistani delegation also conveyed their willingness to support SSNBS in key technical areas, including capacity building in weights and measures, as well as extending support to emerging and often underdeveloped sectors such as medical devices calibration, with the aim of improving quality service delivery. SSNBS welcomes this engagement and looks forward to fostering a strong and productive partnership.
SSNBS Meets European Union Delegation
SSNBS Headquarters, Juba April 08, 2026 The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) held a constructive and forward-looking meeting with the European Union Delegation, led by the Head of Cooperation, at the SSNBS Headquarters in Juba. The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration in quality infrastructure, standardization, and trade facilitation Discussions focused on key priority areas, including capacity building, laboratory strengthening, digital transformation, and improving market access for South Sudanese products such as gum Arabic, shea butter, and fish -key resources with significant potential for economic growth. SSNBS deeply appreciates the European Union’s continued partnership and commitment to supporting institutional growth and ensuring safe, high-quality products for the people of South Sudan and beyond.
Executive Director of SSNBS Visits Nimule Station
27 March 2026 Nimule, Eastern Equatoria State Republic of South Sudan The Executive Director of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS), Hon. Oiylang Dominic, today visited the SSNBS Nimule Station as part of his ongoing efforts to engage directly with staff and strengthen operations at key entry points into the country. He was accompanied by a delegation from Juba, including the Director General for Legal Metrology and other senior directors. Upon arrival, the team was warmly received by the station’s administration, led by Mr. Jacob Matiop, together with the staff. During the visit, the Nimule team shared updates on their day-to-day work, highlighting their achievements, the challenges they face, and areas where more support is needed. The discussion provided an open platform for staff to speak candidly about their experiences on the ground. In his remarks, Hon.Oiylang Dominic expressed his sincere appreciation for the warm welcome and commended the team for their dedication. He emphasized the importance of the Nimule entry point, describing it as the “lifeline of the nation” because of its central role in trade and in ensuring that goods entering the country meet required standards. He reaffirmed that the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards is a scientific and regulatory institution mandated to protect public health and safety through conformity assessment, enforcement of standards, and facilitation of fair trade. He urged all staff to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability in the discharge of their duties. In his closing remarks, the Executive Director reiterated that the objective of the visit was to strengthen institutional effectiveness through direct engagement with frontline officers. He encouraged the Nimule team to continue working collaboratively, with integrity and commitment, in fulfilling the mandate entrusted to the Bureau under the laws of the Republic of South Sudan. He further assured staff of his open-door policy and reaffirmed his full support in addressing operational challenges and enhancing service delivery.
Official Handover Ceremony of the Executive Director
12 March 2026 SSNBS HQ, Juba, South Sudan The management and staff of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) today witnessed the official handover of the Office of the Executive Director at the SSNBS Headquarters in Juba. The ceremony marked a peaceful transition of leadership and was witnessed by the National Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang, together with the senior management and staff of SSNBS. During the ceremony, the outgoing Executive Director, Hon. Gloria Nyoka Joseph, formally handed over the office to the newly appointed Executive Director, Hon. Oiylang Dominic Kanuto. In her remarks, she congratulated and warmly welcomed her successor, expressing gratitude to H.E. the President for the trust and confidence placed in her over the past two years. Hon. Gloria also appreciated the dedication and cooperation of the SSNBS staff, acknowledging their tireless efforts in strengthening the institution and laying a solid foundation for its continued growth. She further thanked government institutions, development partners, and other stakeholders for their support and collaboration in advancing the work of SSNBS. In his remarks, Hon. Oiylang Dominic Kanuto expressed his sincere appreciation to H.E. the President for the trust bestowed upon him to lead the institution. He assured that he would carry out the responsibility with commitment and a strong sense of duty. He also acknowledged and appreciated the significant contributions of Hon. Gloria Nyoka Joseph, noting her long-standing service and dedication to the National Bureau of Standards for more than two decades. Hon. Oiylang emphasized the important mandate of SSNBS under the laws of South Sudan, particularly in the development of national standards, consumer protection, trade facilitation, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He underscored the need to further strengthen the institution’s capacity and credibility in delivering its mandate, including advancing conformity assessment services. He also reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Trade and Industry to ensure efficient and effective service delivery. In his closing remarks, he called upon the staff of SSNBS to support him as he takes on this responsibility, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and unity, noting that “we must work as a team to build a strong institution.” In her remarks, Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang commended Hon. Gloria Nyoka Joseph for ensuring a smooth and orderly handover process. She acknowledged her leadership and the important milestones achieved during her tenure in strengthening quality infrastructure in South Sudan. The Minister also recognized the dedication of the SSNBS staff, noting that the institution plays a vital role in protecting consumers, facilitating trade, and promoting standards across the country. She congratulated the newly appointed Executive Director and thanked H.E. the President for supporting young leaders to contribute to the nation-building process. She encouraged the new Executive Director to work closely with the staff and to promote unity and collaboration within the institution. Hon. Atong further assured the Executive Director that the Ministry of Trade and Industry will continue to support the work of SSNBS and that the doors of the Ministry remain open for continued cooperation. Official Handover Ceremony of the Executive Director 16 March 2026 SSNBS HQ, Juba, South Sudan The management and staff of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) today witnessed the official handover of the Office of the Executive Director at the SSNBS Headquarters in Juba. The ceremony marked a peaceful transition of leadership and was witnessed by the National Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang, together with the senior management and staff of SSNBS. During the ceremony, the outgoing Executive Director, Hon. Gloria Nyoka Joseph, formally handed over the office to the newly appointed Executive Director, Hon. Oiylang Dominic Kanuto. In her remarks, she congratulated and warmly welcomed her successor, expressing gratitude to H.E. the President for the trust and confidence placed in her over the past two years. Hon. Gloria also appreciated the dedication and cooperation of the SSNBS staff, acknowledging their tireless efforts in strengthening the institution and laying a solid foundation for its continued growth. She further thanked government institutions, development partners, and other stakeholders for their support and collaboration in advancing the work of SSNBS. In his remarks, Hon. Oiylang Dominic Kanuto expressed his sincere appreciation to H.E. the President for the trust bestowed upon him to lead the institution. He assured that he would carry out the responsibility with commitment and a strong sense of duty. He also acknowledged and appreciated the significant contributions of Hon. Gloria Nyoka Joseph, noting her long-standing service and dedication to the National Bureau of Standards for more than two decades. Hon. Oiylang emphasized the important mandate of SSNBS under the laws of South Sudan, particularly in the development of national standards, consumer protection, trade facilitation, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He underscored the need to further strengthen the institution’s capacity and credibility in delivering its mandate, including advancing conformity assessment services. He also reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Trade and Industry to ensure efficient and effective service delivery. In his closing remarks, he called upon the staff of SSNBS to support him as he takes on this responsibility, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and unity, noting that “we must work as a team to build a strong institution.” In her remarks, Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang commended Hon. Gloria Nyoka Joseph for ensuring a smooth and orderly handover process. She acknowledged her leadership and the important milestones achieved during her tenure in strengthening quality infrastructure in South Sudan. The Minister also recognized the dedication of the SSNBS staff, noting that the institution plays a vital role in protecting consumers, facilitating trade, and promoting standards across the country. She congratulated the newly appointed Executive Director and thanked H.E. the President for supporting young leaders to contribute to the nation-building process. She encouraged the new Executive Director to work closely with the staff and to promote unity and collaboration within the institution. Hon. Atong further assured the Executive Director that
Handover of FAO Laboratory Equipment to SSNBS
23 January 2026 Juba, South Sudan Yesterday, the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) officially received laboratory equipment donated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) through the AMVAT Project. During the handover ceremony, the FAO Country Representative Dr. Meshack Malo, expressed appreciation for the current leadership of SSNBS under Hon. Gloria Nyoka and commended the Government of the Republic of South Sudan for its continued cooperation. He noted that the donation aims to strengthen laboratory capacity and support effective quality and safety testing. In total, FAO donated 17 different laboratory equipment items, which will be utilized for various analytical purposes. He further reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to continue supporting SSNBS in all possible capacities. In her remarks, Hon. Gloria Nyoka Joseph expressed sincere appreciation to FAO for its continued support to the Government of South Sudan and the Bureau. She also conveyed the appreciation of Hon. Atong Kuol, the National Minister of Trade and Industry, who was scheduled to attend the handover ceremony but was unable to do so due to other pressing commitments. Hon. Gloria emphasized that the donated equipment will be utilized in both the Chemical and Microbiological Laboratories. She noted that this contribution will significantly strengthen the Bureau’s laboratory capacity to safeguard public health, enhance the quality and safety of testing services, and promote value for money in trade by increasing confidence in test results among traders and other stakeholders.
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.