BOSS: Refusing Mobile Money Is Now a Crime.
(JUBA) – The Bank of South Sudan (BOSS) has officially declared mobile money a legally recognised form of payment for goods and services, granting it the same legal status as cash or bank transfers. The announcement was made in a public notice issued on 18 July 2025, through the Bank’s Department of Communication and Public Relations.
According to the notice, the move aligns with the Bank’s 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, which aims to increase mobile money usage among the adult population to 30% by 2027. This initiative forms part of broader efforts to expand access to affordable digital financial services, particularly among underbanked and rural communities.
In line with the Electronic Money Regulation of 2017, the Bank of South Sudan confirmed that businesses, service providers and individuals are legally required to accept mobile money payments if offered by customers. Refusing to accept such payments without a valid reason now constitutes a breach of legal tender laws.
The Bank warned that those who violate these rules such as merchants refusing mobile payments or falsely claiming technical issues may face legal penalties, including fines or prosecution under existing financial regulations.
A key obligation introduced under this directive is that all businesses and service providers must clearly display notices confirming they accept mobile money, along with their registered agent number. This is intended to reassure consumers and support legal enforcement.
To encourage public adoption, the Bank called on citizens to use mobile money for everyday transactions and to report any service denials or unlawful practices to the authorities. Law enforcement and regulatory bodies have been instructed to monitor compliance and take action against violators.
Regulation Summary
| Policy Measure | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Mobile Money Status | Recognised as legal tender |
| Strategic Goal | 30% adult usage by 2027 |
| Legal Backing | Electronic Money Regulation, 2017 |
| Merchant Obligations | Accept mobile payments, display acceptance notice & agent ID |
| Consumer Rights | Report denial of service, mobile money equals cash |
| Legal Consequences | Fines, court action, or sanctions for non compliance |
With this development, South Sudan has taken a major step towards digital inclusion, offering a secure and recognised alternative to traditional banking and cash based transactions. Authorities hope this will help boost economic activity and reduce dependency on cash, especially in remote and underserved areas.
The public notice was signed by the Director of Communications and PR at the Bank of South Sudan and became effective on 18 July 2025.
Discover more from Access Radio Yei News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
