South Sudan and EAC Conclude Gum Arabic Standards Workshop in Juba

(JUBA) – The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards and the East African Community have concluded a five day regional workshop on food additives in Juba, focusing on improving standards for Gum Arabic and strengthening trade across the region.

The workshop, which ended on 27 February 2026, was organised by the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards in partnership with the East African Community. It aimed to enhance the quality and standards of Gum Arabic, strengthen cooperation among Partner States and promote harmonised standards to support trade and protect consumers.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Executive Director of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards, Hon. Gloria Nyoka, reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to working with regional partners to implement and harmonise standards that promote quality assurance and consumer protection. She called on stakeholders and citizens to work together to improve the quality and competitiveness of Gum Arabic in Africa.

The Chairperson of EASC TC 005 on Food Additives, Dr Agustin Lokule Bongo, said Gum Arabic plays an important role in the economy and industry. He noted its use in food processing, pharmaceuticals and other sectors.

Dr Moses Matm, representing the East African Community, urged stakeholders to align with established standards to improve the quality, safety and market value of Gum Arabic across Africa.

Officials said the workshop marks progress in strengthening cooperation within the Gum Arabic value chain and improving quality standards in South Sudan and the wider region.

In a related development, an East African Community Peer Assessment Team began an official visit to the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards headquarters in Tongpiny South Area, Juba, on 16 February 2026.

The opening session was attended by the Executive Director Hon. Gloria Nyoka and the Director General for Technical Operations Ms Ashjan Paulinho. The assessment is evaluating the effectiveness, efficiency and consistency of the Bureau’s operations against ISO IEC 17065 requirements and relevant statutory and regulatory standards. The review focuses on product certification activities.

Ms Paulinho assured the assessment team of the Bureau’s readiness to implement recommendations arising from the evaluation to strengthen performance and compliance.

Hon. Gloria Nyoka welcomed the team to South Sudan and thanked the East African Community and TradeMark Africa for supporting the initiative. She said the Bureau would provide all necessary information to ensure a successful assessment.

A statement from the SSNBS said the peer assessment reflects the Bureau’s commitment to strengthening quality infrastructure, supporting regional integration and maintaining internationally recognised standards in product certification.