South Sudan Launches Consumer Protection Authority

(JUBA) – Institutions operating under South Sudan’s Ministry of Trade and Industry have agreed on their roles and responsibilities in a move aimed at improving the country’s trade and business environment. The agreement was reached during a meeting held on 14th August and chaired by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Labanya Margaret Mathya.

The meeting resolved that Certificates of Origin will remain under the mandate of the Chamber of Commerce. The Consumer and Competition Authority will oversee consumer protection, fair competition and market enforcement.

The institutions also agreed to develop a coordination framework and memorandum of understanding to harmonise mandates, strengthen collaboration and improve efficiency in the country’s trade and business environment.

In a related meeting held on 4th August, the Ministry of Trade and Industry brought together directors to review key priorities aimed at strengthening industrial development, trade facilitation, clean energy, and administrative operations.

Chaired by Minister Labanya Margaret Mathya, the meeting approved the formation of an organising committee for the upcoming Industrialisation Conference to enhance investment and showcase South Sudan’s industrial potential. The meeting also discussed mechanisms for setting prices of strategic commodities such as oil and gas through stronger coordination with relevant institutions.

The directors reviewed proposals to promote green energy as a sustainable alternative for industrial growth and endorsed an action plan for the rehabilitation of the Ministry’s Kajo-Keji office.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry also officially launched the Competition and Consumer Protection Authority on 4th August.

The launch was presided over by Minister Labanya Margaret Mathya in the presence of senior officials from government regulatory institutions, international corporations, private sector representatives and development partners.

The National Trade Minister explained that the establishment of the Competition and Consumer Protection Authority shows the government’s commitment to building a fair, transparent and competitive marketplace that protects both businesses and consumers:

The Authority will serve as an independent regulator with a mandate to prevent monopolies and unfair trade practices, ensure product safety, promote fair pricing and uphold consumer rights across all sectors.

In a separate engagement, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN South Sudan, Mapula Bodibe, paid a courtesy visit to Minister Labanya Margaret Mathya to congratulate her on her appointment and wish her success in her new role.

During the visit, Mapula presented a commemorative plaque on behalf of MTN South Sudan and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry in promoting innovation, economic inclusion and a thriving business environment for South Sudan.