(BANGKOK, THAILAND) – South Sudan’s delegation at the IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings has held a series of high-level talks aimed at attracting investment and strengthening economic cooperation.
The delegation led by Caretaker Minister of Finance and Planning Hon. Athian Ding Athian and Central Bank Governor Hon. Dr. Addis Ababa Othow met with Saudi Fund for Development CEO Mr. Sultan Al-Marshad to explore investment opportunities in South Sudan.
The meeting followed an invitation extended by the government delegation to the Saudi official for a working visit.
The two sides discussed investment opportunities for Saudi investors across various economic sectors.
The Saudi Fund for Development was established in 1974 and has since financed over 800 projects worth more than $20 billion in over 100 countries.
About 60% of its support has gone to Africa, covering 47 countries with 433 projects valued at $11.5 billion.
EAC Central Bank Governors Meeting
On Wednesday, October 14th, Governor Othow joined fellow East African Community central bank governors at a discussion organised by the IMF.
“By working together as EAC member states, sharing technology and opening doors to investment, we can turn regional cooperation into more trade, stronger financial services and real economic opportunities for our people,” Othow said.
He reaffirmed South Sudan’s openness to investment in infrastructure, energy and technology.
The talks focused on strengthening regional value chains and drawing lessons from Southeast Asia, where regional cooperation has supported trade and investment.
Participants also explored opportunities in tourism, agriculture, transport connectivity and investment.
African Central Bank Governors Meeting
Governor Othow also attended a meeting of African central bank governors hosted by African Development Bank Group President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah on October 12th.
Discussions focused on the New African Financial Architecture for Development, which aims to place African capital and institutions at the centre of financing the continent’s development.
The African Development Bank Group presented three pillars to strengthen financial cooperation.
These include increased investment by African central banks in the Bank’s securities, expanded local currency lending through liquidity partnerships, and a treasury advisory and asset management platform.
IMF Talks
The South Sudan delegation held talks with Zeine Zeidane, Director of the IMF’s African Department.
Minister Athian briefed IMF officials on the government’s economic reforms and the impact of climate shocks on growth.
He also updated the Fund on preparations for the December elections.
“We are committed to continuing our engagement with the IMF and World Bank to ensure that we achieve our goals and align our programmes with the aspirations of our people,” Athian said.
Mr Zeidane reaffirmed the IMF’s commitment to supporting South Sudan and encouraged the government to continue strengthening fiscal and governance policies.
Other attendees included Costas Christou, Deputy Director of the IMF’s African Department, and Melesse Minale Tasha, Assistant Director.
Also present were Benjamin Ayali Koyongwa, Undersecretary for Planning at the Ministry of Finance and Planning, and other senior officials.
World Bank Meeting
The delegation also met with World Bank Group officials to strengthen development cooperation, advance economic reforms and support South Sudan’s growth agenda.
Minister Athian outlined the government’s priorities, including peace, election preparations and sustainable economic growth.
He noted progress in public procurement reforms and efforts to combat money laundering.
He called for stronger cooperation in information and communication technology, healthcare, agriculture and food security.
World Bank Group Executive Director Dr. Zarau Wendeline Kibwe welcomed the briefing and reaffirmed the institution’s readiness to support South Sudan’s development priorities.
About the Annual Meetings
The 2026 Annual Meetings are being held from 12th to 18th October 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
More than 15,000 participants from 191 countries are attending.
The theme is “Thailand’s New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience.”
Key agenda items include the world economic outlook, financial stability, development financing and climate resilience.
South Sudan’s participation comes as the country faces economic challenges, including liquidity shortages and pressure to strengthen public finances.
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