In a concerted effort to enhance fiscal transparency and streamline salary disbursements, South Sudan’s Ministry of Finance and Planning, in collaboration with the Bank of South Sudan, is advocating for all civil servants to establish bank accounts.
However, the implementation of this reform faces significant challenges. During a recent high-level meeting in Juba on Tuesday, June 3 accounting officers highlighted obstacles such as inadequate electronic payment infrastructure in certain ministries, difficulties encountered by unclassified staff lacking bank accounts, and liquidity shortages in commercial banks impeding salary withdrawals. Moreover, the absence of banking services in remote areas exacerbates the situation, leaving civil servants in these regions struggling to access their earnings. These issues underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to address infrastructural deficits and ensure equitable access to financial services nationwide.
To mitigate these challenges, the Central Bank has pledged to collaborate with commercial banks and mobile money service providers, including M-Gurush and MTN MoMo, to reduce transaction charges for civil servants. First Deputy Governor Dr. Addis Ababa Othow emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among undersecretaries, accounting officers, and directors-general to actualize the reform’s objectives. The initiative represents a pivotal step towards enhancing public service delivery, promoting accountability, and fostering economic resilience in South Sudan.
This initiative aligns with directives from the Vice-President for the Economic Cluster, aiming to modernize payment systems and bolster inter-agency coordination. The transition to electronic salary payments is envisioned to mitigate corruption, ensure timely remuneration, and foster financial inclusion across governmental institutions.