South Sudan Pushes Digital Payments as Central Bank Calls for Faster Payment Bill
The Governor said stronger collaboration among stakeholders would be essential to advancing the proposed legislation.
The Bank of South Sudan has called for faster progress on the Draft National Payment System Bill, 2025, as the country seeks to reduce its longstanding reliance on cash and establish more secure and efficient digital payment systems.
Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, Dr. Addis Ababa Othow, made the call at the conclusion of a five-day validation workshop held in Juba from 10 to 14 August 2026. The workshop brought together representatives from the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, East African Community (EAC) Secretariat, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, commercial banks, telecommunications companies, the National Communication Authority and other stakeholders.
The Governor said stronger collaboration among stakeholders would be essential to advancing the proposed legislation. He noted that the bill would play a key role in strengthening South Sudan’s financial sector, expanding financial inclusion and supporting private-sector development.
The proposed legislation also seeks to establish stronger consumer and data protection measures alongside clear licensing and regulatory frameworks for digital payment services.
The Bank of South Sudan said the technical discussions during the workshop would help strengthen the draft legislation and align it with the country’s broader financial-sector reform agenda.
The EAC Secretariat and Bank of Uganda were also recognised for their support, with regional cooperation and shared expertise expected to contribute to the development of South Sudan’s payment infrastructure.
Representatives from the telecommunications sector, National Communication Authority and Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs reaffirmed their support for the bill and the development of a comprehensive legal framework for digital payments.
The workshop was organised by the Bank of South Sudan’s Department of National Payment Systems, led by Director Akum David Sabhker. Its conclusion marks a step towards finalising the Draft National Payment System Bill, 2025, which is expected to promote financial inclusion, consumer protection, digital innovation and a more resilient private sector.
