Standards Body Strengthens Ties with WFP, ITC and EAC

(JUBA) – South Sudan’s national standards body has moved to deepen ties with international partners on three fronts in April, covering laboratory upgrades, product standards for key exports and regional measurement systems.

The push began on 17 April 2026 when the Head of Logistics at the World Food Programme, Ms Barbara Van Logchem, visited the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards headquarters in Juba.

She and her team met the SSNBS Executive Director, Hon Oiylang Dominic Kanuto. Discussions centred on support for laboratory rehabilitation, streamlining the pre-export verification of conformity process and improving testing ability.

Hon Oiylang thanked WFP for its continued support and called for deeper partnership to modernise the bureau’s laboratory facilities. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in support of quality and safety systems in South Sudan.

A week later, from 21 to 24 April, a team from the standards bureau travelled to Kigali to take part in the 29th Technical Subcommittee on Metrology of the East African Community.

A press statement from the standards body said the participation reflects SSNBS efforts to strengthen measurement standards and work with regional partners to build quality, accuracy and trust in trade across the East African Community.

Back in Juba on 24 April, Hon Oiylang welcomed Mr Levi Bona, the ITC MARK UP-II Project Coordinator, to his office.

Their discussion focused on continued support through the MARK UP-II Project, a regional programme funded by the European Union and run with the East African Community Secretariat. The Ministry of Trade and Industry serves as the national focal point in South Sudan.

The project targets four priority value chains: gum arabic, leather, coffee and packaging. It also provides help with standards development and other technical work.

Mr Bona confirmed ITC’s commitment to backing the bureau in building staff skills, developing standards and other key technical areas.

Hon Oiylang expressed appreciation for the support, particularly in capacity building, standards development and making it possible for staff to attend regional conferences.

He said the bureau is determined to work closely with partners to strengthen quality infrastructure and promote trade in South Sudan.