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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

State Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports Explores Strategic Collaboration with Central Equatoria Business Union (CEBU)...................................................................................
Juba, South Sudan – April 10, 2026
The State Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports of Central Equatoria State has initiated discussions on a strategic partnership with the Central Equatoria Business Union (CEBU), aimed at advancing youth empowerment, cultural development, and sports infrastructure across the state.

Speaking during a meeting held at his office in Juba, the Honorable Bush Buse, Minister of Youth, Culture and Sports for Central Equatoria State, emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to transformative development initiatives aligned with the state’s strategic priorities.

The Minister outlined key focus areas of the Ministry, including:
Youth Economic Empowerment: Strengthening programs that enable young people to actively contribute to economic growth, in line with the State’s strategic pillar on Peace and Security.

Commercialization of Culture and Sports: Promoting culture and sports as viable economic sectors while establishing youth innovation hubs across the state.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Engaging private sector actors in the development of modern sports complexes and facilities.
Strategic Planning: Advancing the Ministry’s comprehensive five-year strategic plan to guide sustainable sector growth.

The meeting was attended by senior representatives from CEBU, including Patron Thomas Muto Lo’Buda, who also serves as Consultant for the Juba Special Economic Zone, and Chairman Juma Khamis Juma.
In his remarks, Mr. Muto congratulated the Minister on his recent appointment and reaffirmed CEBU’s readiness to collaborate closely with the Ministry. He emphasized the Union’s commitment to supporting government-led initiatives that promote economic growth, youth innovation, and private sector participation in development.

“This engagement marks a critical step toward building strong public-private partnerships that will unlock opportunities for youth, strengthen cultural industries, and enhance sports development in Central Equatoria State,” Mr. Muto stated.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen cooperation and develop actionable frameworks for collaboration that will contribute to sustainable development and prosperity in the state.
About the Central Equatoria Business Union (CEBU):
The Central Equatoria Business Union is a leading private sector umbrella organization dedicated to promoting business growth, investment, and economic development within Central Equatoria State and beyond.

For Media Inquiries visit www.cebu.com.ss

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

*University of Juba and Central Equatoria Business Union Signed Historic MoU to Advance Knowledge, Innovation, and National Economic Development.................................................................................
Juba, South Sudan – 7 April 2026
The University of Juba and the Central Equatoria Business Union today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in a significant step toward promoting national economic development through knowledge, innovation, and private sector collaboration.
The ceremony was held under the theme: “Transforming South Sudan through knowledge, innovation, and private sector leadership for long-term economic stability.”
In his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor Prof. John Akech of the University of Juba expressed appreciation to CEBU and described the signing as a long-awaited achievement. He noted that the MoU represents a conscious and strategic decision to contribute to the development of South Sudan, emphasizing that meaningful transformation begins with ideas that are consistently nurtured into action.
He also highlighted key development priorities identified through engagements with the private sector, including infrastructure challenges such as bridges, urban planning in the hospitality sector, and the need for improved waterways management and drainage systems. He further called for collective efforts toward building a modern city and encouraged the utilization of local resources rather than over-reliance on imports.
The Patron Mr. Thomas Muto Lo’buda of the Central Equatoria Business Union noted that collaboration between the two institutions dates back to the 2023 Juba Economic Forum. Reflecting on past economic challenges between 2005 and 2011, he emphasized that many business failures were linked to gaps in technical knowledge and capacity. He stressed that a knowledge-led economy is critical for enhancing competitiveness and sustainable growth.
He further underscored the importance of innovation, pointing to emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) as key drivers for economic independence and future economic development.
The Chairman Mr. Juma Khamis Juma of CEBU reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to the partnership, stating that it will prioritize equipping youth with practical skills and promoting unity of purpose in advancing national economic development goals.
The event was also attended by diplomatic missions, international representatives, including the Ambassador of Egypt, who emphasized that the partnership contributes to the welfare of South Sudan and expressed interest in exploring further areas of cooperation. Similarly, the Ambassador of Zimbabwe highlighted that effective planning remains a strategic pillar of development, noting that innovation plays a vital role in generating income and driving economic growth.

The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration in areas such as research, innovation, skills development, and policy engagement, reinforcing the shared commitment of both institutions to support South Sudan’s long-term socio-economic transformation.

Information Department
Central Equatoria Business
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CEBU Explores Strategic Partnership Opportunities with Juja Mabati Factory Ltd to Strengthen South Sudan’s Construction Sector...................................................................................
Nairobi, Kenya — The Central Equatoria Business Union (CEBU) has initiated discussions with Juja Mabati Factory Ltd aimed at establishing a strategic partnership to address gaps in the construction sector in South Sudan.
The meeting, held in Nairobi, brought together CEBU Patron Thomas Muto Lo’Buda and the Managing Director of Juja Mabati Factory Ltd, Gakuru Muraguri.

The engagement focused on potential collaboration in the supply and manufacturing of roofing materials and other building products to meet the growing demand in South Sudan.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Muraguri expressed enthusiasm about the engagement and the prospects of expanding into the South Sudan market.
“I have been closely following the activities of the Central Equatoria Business Union (CEBU) since 2023, particularly the Juba Economic Forum. Today, I am pleased to finally meet the person behind this impactful initiative,” he stated, commending Mr. Muto for his leadership.
Mr. Muraguri further highlighted the company’s strong interest in exploring investment opportunities in South Sudan, noting the country’s growing need for quality and affordable construction materials.

Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Muto—who also serves as a Consultant to the Juba Special Economic Zone, Government of Central Equatoria State—welcomed the company’s interest and reaffirmed CEBU’s commitment to facilitating investment partnerships.
“CEBU stands ready to support and provide the necessary linkages for investors seeking opportunities in South Sudan. It is part of our core mandate to attract credible partners who can contribute to the country’s economic growth and infrastructure development,” he said.

The discussions mark a significant step toward strengthening regional trade and industrial cooperation between Kenya and South Sudan, particularly in the construction and manufacturing sectors. Both parties expressed optimism about formalizing the partnership framework in the near future.

About Central Equatoria Business Union (CEBU)
CEBU is a leading business association in South Sudan dedicated to promoting private sector growth, investment facilitation, and economic development through strategic partnerships and policy advocacy.
About Juja Mabati Factory Ltd
Juja Mabati Factory Ltd is a Kenya-based manufacturer of high-quality roofing materials and building products, serving both domestic and regional markets across East Africa.

Media Contact:
Central Equatoria Business Union (CEBU)
Email: info@,cebu.com.ss
www.cebu.com.ss

PRESS RELEASE

CEBU Supports Development of Public Investment Programme Manual Through Private Sector Data Collection....................................................................................
Juba, South Sudan – 01, April 2026

The Central Equatoria Business Union (CEBU) has contributed to a national initiative led by the Ministry of Finance and Planning, in collaboration with Asigma Capital Advisory Services LTD with support from UNDP, aimed at developing a comprehensive Public Investment Programme (PIP) Manual for South Sudan.

As part of this process, delegates from Asigma Capital Advisory Services LTD, working alongside the Ministry of Finance and Planning, engaged CEBU to collect vital data and insights from the private sector.
The findings highlighted the impact of public infrastructure and investment projects on economic activity and private sector growth, challenges in public procurement participation, and concerns about transparency, predictability, and access to opportunities.

CEBU highlighted several constraints affecting local firms, including preference of foreign firms over local firms in awarding contracts, complex processes or limited access to secure funds from financial institutions, capacity gaps, and regulatory challenges.

To address these issues, a set of practical recommendations was presented, focusing on enhancing transparency, strengthening institutional frameworks, and promoting inclusive participation of local businesses in public investment initiatives.
In conclusion, CEBU reaffirmed its commitment to representing the interests of the private sector and supporting national economic development programs.

Information department,
Central Equatoria Business Union (CEBU)
www.cebu.com.ss

Signing Ceremony of MoU between CEBU and the University of Juba
Under the Theme:" Transforming South Sudan through knowledge, innovation and Private sector leadership for long-term economic stability "
Stability

EID MUBARAK

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

The Central Equatoria Business Union (CEBU) has received with profound sorrow the news of the passing of Nicholas Haysom, the former Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the Republic of South Sudan and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

On behalf of the leadership and members of CEBU, we extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family, the people of South Africa, and the entire United Nations family during this time of great loss.

Mr. Haysom will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and stability in South Sudan. His leadership and dedication to dialogue and reconciliation stood as a beacon of hope for many, particularly the vulnerable and voiceless communities striving for a peaceful future.

His legacy of service, diplomacy, and humanity will continue to inspire generations and strengthen the pursuit of lasting peace in our nation and beyond.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Signed:
Central Equatoria Business Union (CEBU)

_MEDIA RELEASE_

Mr. Thomas Muto Lo’Buda Calls for Strengthened CEBU–EABC Engagement at East African Business Summit...................................................................................

Nairobi, Kenya | 25 February 2026
The Patron of the Central Equatoria Business Union (CEBU), Mr. Thomas Muto Lo’Buda, has called for continued and structured engagement between CEBU and the East African Business Council (EABC) to advance regional trade, investment, and private sector development.

Mr. Muto made the call during a high-level meeting with Hon. John Lual Akol Akol, Chairperson of the East African Business Council, held on the sidelines of the East African Business & Investment Summit + Expo 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya.

The Summit, organized by EABC in partnership with the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat and KEPSA, brought together over 450 delegates, including ministers, private sector leaders, investors, and development partners from across East Africa and beyond.

During the engagement, Mr. Muto emphasized the importance of positioning Central Equatoria’s business community within the broader East African regional integration agenda. He noted that the resolutions adopted at the Summit—particularly on elimination of non-tariff barriers, harmonization of taxes, SME financing, digital trade, and industrialization present strategic opportunities for South Sudanese enterprises.
“Regional integration must translate into tangible benefits for our local businesses.

CEBU is committed to working closely with EABC to ensure that the private sector in Central Equatoria actively participates in regional value chains, trade in services, and cross-border investment,” Mr. Muto stated.
He further highlighted the need for:
Strengthened SME access to regional markets
Enhanced mentorship and financial literacy programs
Greater inclusion of youth- and women-led enterprises
Policy harmonization to reduce the cost of doing business
Hon. John Lual Akol Akol welcomed CEBU’s proactive approach and reaffirmed EABC’s commitment to fostering inclusive regional integration driven by the private sector.
The Summit concluded with key resolutions aimed at accelerating implementation of the Customs Union and Common Market Protocols, promoting industrialization, strengthening digital trade systems, enhancing infrastructure connectivity, and unlocking private capital for green logistics.
Mr. Muto reiterated that CEBU will align its strategic programs with the regional integration agenda to ensure businesses in Central Equatoria are competitive within the East African market.
Ends
For Media Inquiries:
Central Equatoria Business Union (CEBU)
[email protected]
www.cebu.ss.com