South Sudan is seeking to reduce its dependence on cash as the central bank pushes for faster progress on legislation designed to modernise its payment system across the country.
The Draft National Payment System Bill, 2025, is expected to provide the legal backing for wider use of digital payments and reduce the country’s heavy reliance on cash.
Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, Dr Addis Ababa Othow, made the call after a five-day workshop in Juba where government officials, lawmakers, banks, telecommunications companies and other stakeholders reviewed the proposed legislation.
The workshop, which ran from August 10 to 14, was attended by representatives of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, East African Community Secretariat, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, commercial banks and the National Communication Authority.
Othow said cooperation among the different institutions would be crucial to getting the bill to the next stage.
According to the governor, the bill would provide an important foundation for strengthening South Sudan’s financial sector, improving financial inclusion and creating better conditions for private-sector growth.
The central bank said the technical discussions during the workshop helped refine the draft legislation and bring it closer to the country’s wider financial-sector reform objectives.
See also: Azerbaijan Looks to Cut Oil Dependence, Moves to Build Tech Economy
The proposed law will also introduce rules covering the licensing and supervision of digital payment providers, while providing safeguards for consumers and their data.
The Bank of South Sudan said several technical issues were examined during the workshop as officials worked to improve the draft and bring it in line with ongoing reforms in the financial sector.
The EAC Secretariat and the Bank of Uganda were recognised for providing technical support and sharing regional expertise during the process because support from regional institutions is also expected to play a role in developing South Sudan’s digital payment infrastructure.
Representatives from the telecommunications industry, the National Communication Authority and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs also backed the push for a comprehensive legal framework for digital payments.
The workshop was organised by the Department of National Payment Systems at the Bank of South Sudan, headed by Director Akum David Sabhker.
South Sudan’s financial system remains heavily dependent on cash, making the development of reliable electronic payment channels a key part of its efforts to expand financial inclusion and support economic activity.
If adopted, the National Payment System Bill is expected to provide a clearer legal framework for digital payment services while promoting financial inclusion, consumer protection and innovation.
The central bank said completing the legislative process would also help create a more resilient financial system and support the growth of the country’s private sector.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
