(JUBA) – The National Ministry of Trade and Industry has called on commercial banks to form a banking union and speed up the move to digital banking as a shortage of physical South Sudanese Pounds continues to affect trade and daily life across the country.
The call was made during a meeting between ministry officials and the management of Equity Bank South Sudan, led by Acting Managing Director James Kiarie, on Monday.
The two sides discussed monetary policy, particularly the shortage of South Sudanese Pound notes in circulation, bank rates, and the impact of these issues on trade and the livelihoods of citizens.
Caretaker Minister of Trade and Industry Dr Labanya Margaret Mathya encouraged banks to organise themselves into a banking union and work towards establishing digital banking and transactions.
The meeting comes as South Sudan continues to face a severe liquidity crisis that has left many bank customers unable to withdraw cash.
The EastAfrican reported in August 2026 that the cash shortage has disrupted government operations, delayed civil service salaries, and made it difficult for citizens to access their money at banks.
President Salva Kiir said in August 2026 that the country was facing a cash crunch and directed financial authorities to address the shortage and restore public confidence.
The Bank of South Sudan has pushed for a shift to digital payments, with Governor Dr Addis Ababa Othow calling for the swift passage of the Draft National Payment System Bill. ITWeb Africa reported in August 2026 that the proposed law aims to establish clear licensing rules and strengthen consumer and data protection for mobile money and electronic banking.
Equity Bank South Sudan introduced Equity Till, a mobile banking digital payment solution, in May 2025. The bank said at the time that it was the first of its kind in the South Sudanese market.
On Friday, the ministry held a consultative meeting with supermarket and hotel owners to discuss issues affecting their operations and how to work with the ministry to improve the country’s economy.
The Caretaker Minister directed the business owners to adopt electronic services to strengthen revenue collection and called for closer cooperation and coordination with the hospital sector.
Last Thursday, the ministry hosted students from Smooth Star Academy Schools on an educational field tour aimed at giving them practical exposure to trade, industry, entrepreneurship, and local production.
The Caretaker Minister thanked the students for choosing the ministry as their tour site and encouraged them to connect classroom learning with real world experiences as they prepare to become future leaders.
The Association of South Sudan Manufacturers said it is supporting the ongoing renovation of the ministry’s compound as part of its commitment to strengthening collaboration between the manufacturing sector and government institutions.
The association said renovation work is progressing well and is expected to be completed in the coming days, contributing to a more organised and functional working environment for the ministry and its stakeholders.
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