The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards has received laboratory equipment from FAO, significantly strengthening national capacity for quality assurance, food safety, and standards compliance.
The equipment was handed over during a formal ceremony in Juba under FAO’s Agricultural Market Value Addition and Trade (AMVAT) Project, an initiative aimed at strengthening market systems, improving product quality, and promoting safe trade practices in South Sudan.
Speaking at the event, FAO Country Representative Dr. Meshack Malo commended the leadership of SSNBS under Gloria Nyoka Joseph, as well as the continued cooperation of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan with FAO.
He noted that the donation reflects FAO’s commitment to supporting national institutions tasked with safeguarding quality, safety, and consumer protection.
“This donation is intended to strengthen the laboratory capacity of SSNBS and support effective quality and safety testing,” Dr. Malo said.
“Strong national standards institutions are essential for protecting public health, supporting local production, and enabling South Sudan to participate competitively in regional and international trade.”
Dr. Malo revealed that FAO donated 17 different laboratory equipment items, which will be used for a wide range of analytical functions, including chemical and microbiological testing.
He further reaffirmed FAO’s readiness to continue supporting SSNBS through technical assistance, capacity building, and infrastructure development.
Receiving the equipment on behalf of the Bureau, Gloria Nyoka Joseph, Director General of SSNBS, expressed deep appreciation to FAO for its sustained support to both the Bureau and the Government of South Sudan.
She also conveyed the appreciation of Atong Kuol, the National Minister of Trade and Industry, who was scheduled to attend the ceremony but was unable to do so due to other pressing commitments.
Gloria emphasized that the newly donated equipment will be deployed in both the Chemical and Microbiological Laboratories, significantly enhancing the Bureau’s ability to conduct accurate, reliable, and timely testing.
“This contribution will greatly strengthen our laboratory capacity to safeguard public health, improve the quality and safety of products on our market, and promote value for money in trade,” she said.
“It will also increase confidence in our test results among traders, producers, regulators, and consumers.”
She added that improved testing capacity will play a crucial role in reducing substandard and unsafe products, supporting local industries to meet required standards, and facilitating smoother trade flows within the region.
The handover comes at a time when South Sudan is working to strengthen regulatory institutions as part of broader efforts to enhance economic growth, consumer protection, and market competitiveness.
The FAO-supported initiative is expected to contribute directly to these national priorities by empowering SSNBS with modern tools and technical capability.
With the new equipment now in place, SSNBS is expected to improve service delivery and reinforce its mandate as the country’s lead authority on standards, quality assurance, and conformity assessment.
