Central Bank Engages Agriculture Ministry on Cooperatives

(JUBA) – Plans to strengthen cooperative based economic activity and expand access to finance were discussed in Juba as South Sudan prepares to launch a national cooperative alliance next month.

Officials involvedth said the South Sudan Cooperative Alliance, set for launch on 12 May 2026, is expected to support community enterprises, promote inclusive growth and improve livelihoods, particularly in agriculture.

The initiative aims to bring together cooperatives across the country and link them more closely to financial services.

Discussions focused on how to widen access to credit for cooperatives and agribusinesses, which remain underfunded despite their role in food production and local trade. Improving financing is seen as key to increasing output and stabilising rural incomes in South Sudan.

The talks brought together the Central Bank of South Sudan (BoSS) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security ahead of the planned launch. Acting Agriculture Minister Lily Albino Akol invited Central Bank Governor Johnny Ohisa Damian to attend the event, noting the importance of financial sector support to cooperative development.

Officials also reviewed possible areas of cooperation between the two institutions to strengthen lending mechanisms and support small scale producers and enterprises.

In a related development, the Central Bank said its governor recently returned to Juba last Friday after attending the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington.

The delegation, led by Finance Minister Salvatore Garang Mabiordit, held discussions on key economic and financial issues affecting South Sudan.

A press release from the Central Bank said such engagements are part of wider efforts to stabilise the economy and improve financial systems, as the country looks to support growth through agriculture and community based initiatives.