New Supplies Received to Improve Product Testing in Juba

(JUBA) – South Sudan has received new laboratory supplies and technical support under an international trade project aimed at improving product standards and food safety, officials said.

The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards said the materials were provided by the International Trade Centre under the GRACE project. The support includes laboratory consumables and reagents to strengthen testing capacity at the national level.

Officials said the items are being verified ahead of an official handover expected in the coming days. The review is part of efforts to ensure the materials meet required specifications before they are put into use.

The project team said the initiative is helping to build capacity in quality control, food safety and packaging, while also supporting wider institutional development. It added that the programme is contributing to job creation, trade development and training for auditors, inspectors and laboratory technicians.

The bureau said such support is important to improve testing services and ensure goods in the market meet safety standards. Stronger systems are also expected to support trade and build confidence in South Sudan’s products.

Officials at the bureau welcomed the support and described the International Trade Centre as a key partner in strengthening standards and quality systems in the country. They said cooperation under the GRACE project will continue as part of broader efforts to improve regulation and consumer protection.

The meeting was held at the headquarters of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards in Juba, where officials reviewed progress and discussed next steps for the project.