Rallying Call from National Bureau of Standards
In Juba, the National Bureau of Standards has launched a nationwide appeal for companies, start-ups and artisans to register for the 2026 East African Community Regional Quality Awards, according to local broadcaster Eye Radio.
Executive Director Gloria Nyoka insists that tight adherence to standards is not a luxury but the engine of economic diversification and sustainable jobs across South Sudan.
Quality as Catalyst for National Development
Nyoka told reporters that quality “strengthens consumer trust, supports public health and unlocks regional and global markets.” Her remarks follow Urban South Group’s runner-up finish in the SME Product of the Year category at the last awards, a milestone celebrated nationwide.
Roadmap to the 2026 National Quality Awards
Applications for the 2026 National Quality Awards will open shortly, with the NBS promising early publication of guidelines to give firms ample preparation time.
Evaluation teams, supported by South Sudanese experts, will tour factories and service centres to benchmark products against established criteria before selecting national champions for the regional stage.
Support Measures for Aspiring Contestants
Beyond the contest, the bureau offers training, certification and technical guidance; its Quality Mark already serves as a passport enabling local goods to cross borders with fewer inspections.
Regional Significance for African Markets
Analysts say South Sudan’s push aligns with broader East African ambitions to harmonise standards, expand intra-regional trade and attract investment into agro-processing, construction and digital services.
Dr. Isaac Muga, a Nairobi-based trade economist, notes that “consistent quality signalling reduces transaction costs and builds Africa’s competitiveness in global value chains.”
What Lies Ahead
With two years until the regional gala, Nyoka believes early mobilisation will give South Sudanese innovators “a fair shot at gold.” The coming months will test how quickly firms integrate rigorous quality management into everyday practice.