Juba Hosts EAC Central Bank Talks

(JUBA) – The tenth Internal Audit Conference of East African Community central banks opened in Juba on Monday, bringing together delegates from Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Kenya.

The meeting focuses on data governance, digital maturity and stronger governance, risk and compliance frameworks as central banks across the region expand digital systems.

Opening the conference, Bank of South Sudan Governor Johnny Ohisa Damian thanked EAC partner states for selecting South Sudan as host. He said internal audit functions must adapt to the digital era to provide timely insight, support innovation and strengthen financial systems.

Damian said the forum allows member states to share experience on digital governance and financial integration, with the aim of improving public trust and supporting steady economic growth in the region.

First Deputy Governor for Policy and Banking Yanga Mikaya welcomed the delegates and urged active participation, saying practical discussions could help strengthen regional banking systems.

Abraham Dut Atem, Director of the Internal Audit Department at the Bank of South Sudan, called for closer cooperation among EAC member states. He said internal auditors should take a proactive role in reinforcing institutional controls as digital tools expand.

The conference is held under the theme Reimagining Internal Audit in the Digital Era to Drive Transformation. It was also attended by Acuil Malith Bagol, a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank of South Sudan.

Officials said hosting the event reflects South Sudan’s growing engagement in regional financial dialogue and efforts to align its banking oversight with East African standards.