Central Bank Calls for Practical Banking Courses at New Institute

(JUBA) – The Board of Directors of the South Sudan Institute of Banking and Finance has held its first meeting with the management of the Bank of South Sudan, days after electing new leadership, as efforts to strengthen banking skills and training gather pace.

The meeting on Monday focused on plans for courses and training programmes to support the financial sector, as the institute prepares to begin operations. Officials discussed the need to ensure that future courses are practical and aligned with the needs of banks and financial institutions.

The development follows elections held on March 13 in Juba, where the institute appointed a new board to guide its work. Isaiah Kuot Kuol was elected Chairperson, John Lual as Vice Chairperson, and Amira John as Secretary.

The board is made up of nine members drawn from key parts of the financial system. These include two representatives from the Bank of South Sudan, two from academic institutions, one from a commercial bank, and four from other financial institutions such as foreign exchange bureaus, insurance firms, microfinance institutions, and the Chamber of Commerce.

The board has also formed four committees to support its work. John Christoper will lead the Academic Committee, Abugo Charles Joseph will head the Membership and Industrial Partnership Committee, Achol Joseph will chair the Disciplinary Committee, and Yengi Edward will lead the Audit and Risk Committee.

At Monday’s meeting, the Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, Johnny Ohisa Damian, congratulated the new board and called for commitment in carrying out its duties. He said careful planning would be needed to ensure the institute delivers useful training for the sector.

He urged the board to focus on developing courses that are relevant to the banking industry and encouraged cooperation with universities and other institutions in the region to support curriculum development and professional training.

The Chairperson of the board, Isaiah Kuot Kuol, pledged cooperation and support to ensure the institute becomes operational. He noted that construction of the institute is ongoing in Wau.

The South Sudan Institute of Banking and Finance is being supported through the World Bank funded Strengthening South Sudan Financial Sector project, which aims to improve professional standards and build capacity across the financial industry.

The meeting was also attended by the Second Deputy Governor for Administration and Finance, Weituy Luony Babouth.