COMESA, through the Regional Infrastructure Financing Facility (RIFF), is supporting South Sudan in strengthening its solar energy regulatory framework to promote reliable and sustainable energy access.

From 9–12 March 2026, COMESA facilitated Validation and Awareness Workshops in Juba aimed at supporting the adoption and implementation of quality standards for solar products in the country. The initiative forms part of ongoing technical assistance delivered in collaboration with CLASP and supported by the World Bank, focusing on strengthening off-grid solar markets in fragile and conflict-affected states.

During the workshops, stakeholders validated the framework and procedures for enforcing solar product standards, while the Minister of Energy and Dams officially launched the framework, marking an important step toward improving the quality and reliability of solar products entering the South Sudanese market.

The mission also presented an updated Solar PV Market Scoping Study, based on a survey of 35 companies operating in several cities across South Sudan. The findings highlighted market trends, including strong demand for larger component-based solar systems and key sector challenges such as high import taxes, informal market practices, and limited technical capacity.

As a next step, COMESA will support capacity-building activities for government institutions, customs authorities, and solar companies to strengthen enforcement of the new standards and improve compliance. These efforts will help enhance consumer protection, build market confidence, and support the expansion of clean and reliable energy solutions in South Sudan.