Trade Minister Calls for Nationwide Shift to Mobile Money

(JUBA) – The National Minister of Trade, Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk, has called on traders across South Sudan to adopt mobile money as an accepted form of payment, in line with the government’s policy to modernise the country’s financial system.

Her remarks follow a meeting in Juba with senior officials from the Bank of South Sudan, including the Director of Communication and Public Relations, Majok Nikodemo Arou and the Director of the National Payment System, Akum David Sabahker.

The discussions focused on preparing for the full operational rollout of the National Payment System, which aims to make digital transactions a standard practice across the country.

Atong emphasised that the government’s policy requires traders to accept payments via mobile money whenever customers wish to use it. She acknowledged that some traders still prefer cash, but stressed that digital payment systems are now an integral part of national policy.

“I know there are a few traders who still do not accept payments digitally and instead want cash,” she said. “But we want to make it very clear that digital payment is now a government policy. Citizens who wish to pay through mobile money must be allowed to do so when buying goods or paying for services.”

She urged both traders and the wider public to cooperate with the government in implementing this shift, highlighting that the benefits go beyond individual transactions to support the broader economy.

“This is not only significant for customers and traders but also for all of us,” she added.

The initiative is part of a wider modernisation plan led by the Bank of South Sudan to improve the country’s payment infrastructure, reduce reliance on cash and promote transparency in financial transactions.

The central bank has previously stated  the move towards mobile money is particularly relevant in South Sudan, where poor road networks and security challenges can limit physical cash transactions, making digital systems a safer and more efficient option for traders and customers alike.