World Bank Team in Juba for High Level Talks on Economic Reform

(JUBA) – South Sudan’s Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr Marial Dongrin Ater, held a high level meeting on Wednesday with a visiting delegation from the World Bank, led by Maryam Salim, Country Director for South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea, and Shubham Chaudhuri, Director for Fragility, Conflict and Violence.

The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between the Government of South Sudan and the World Bank in areas such as project implementation, financial support and technical assistance aimed at strengthening institutional capacity.

Discussions also included the World Bank’s proposed strategic framework, which seeks to improve operational relations with fragile and conflict affected countries. The strategy is designed to empower national and sub-national governments in managing economic challenges arising from fragility, violence and recurring shocks.

According to officials, the planned strategy aims to align international support with the country’s needs, ensuring that interventions respond to the unique economic and governance challenges faced by South Sudan.

Finance Minister Dr Ater welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to close collaboration with the World Bank. He stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to accelerate economic recovery and build institutional resilience in a post-conflict context.

Maryam Salim noted that the World Bank remains committed to supporting South Sudan’s development agenda, particularly in fragile regions, through a mix of financial and technical interventions tailored to the country’s needs.

Shubham Chaudhuri, who oversees the Bank’s work on fragility and conflict, highlighted that South Sudan remains a priority country in the Bank’s strategy to reduce poverty and promote stability in fragile contexts.

The meeting also stressed the role of effective project execution and capacity development in ensuring that financial aid reaches intended beneficiaries and contributes to lasting development outcomes.

While no specific funding amounts were discussed publicly, the meeting marks an important step in reaffirming the World Bank’s presence in South Sudan’s reform and recovery journey.