Juba Economic Forum

_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)
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www.cebu.ss.com