The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Food Programme (WFP) to support the refurbishment of the SSNBS Laboratory, marking a major step forward in strengthening the country’s quality infrastructure and regulatory capacity.
The partnership is aimed at enhancing laboratory testing services through improved infrastructure and equipment, enabling SSNBS to effectively carry out its mandate of safeguarding public health, ensuring food safety, and enforcing compliance with national and international standards.
Under the MoU, WFP has committed to supporting the rehabilitation and upgrading of laboratory facilities, a move expected to significantly improve the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of laboratory testing services.
The refurbished laboratory will enhance quality control for food products and other regulated goods, contributing to safer consumer markets and increased confidence in locally traded and imported products.
The collaboration is also expected to play a critical role in trade facilitation by strengthening conformity assessment systems, reducing the circulation of substandard and unsafe products, and supporting South Sudan’s efforts to align with regional and international quality standards.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the leadership of SSNBS, under the guidance of Hon. Gloria Nyoka, expressed deep appreciation to WFP for its continued technical and institutional support.
Nyoka described the partnership as a milestone in the Bureau’s efforts to modernize its operations and improve service delivery for the benefit of the public and the national economy.
“This partnership with WFP will significantly enhance our laboratory capacity and reinforce our role in protecting public health and ensuring quality assurance across the country,” the SSNBS leadership noted.
“A modern and well-equipped laboratory is essential for effective standards enforcement, food safety assurance, and consumer protection.”
WFP’s support reflects its broader commitment to strengthening national systems that underpin food safety, nutrition, and market integrity.
By investing in laboratory infrastructure, WFP is contributing not only to humanitarian and food assistance objectives but also to long-term institutional capacity building and sustainable development in South Sudan.
With the refurbishment of the SSNBS Laboratory, the Bureau will be better positioned to deliver timely and reliable testing services, support government regulatory frameworks, and promote quality-driven trade practices.
The MoU also underscores SSNBS’s commitment to fostering strong, sustainable partnerships with international organizations and development partners in pursuit of public health protection and quality infrastructure development.
The agreement represents a shared vision between SSNBS and WFP to strengthen national institutions, protect consumers, and promote standards that support economic growth, food safety, and public confidence in South Sudan.
