Yei Business Leader Calls for Tax Education to Improve Trade and Services in South Sudan

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – A South Sudanese business expert has called on national and state authorities to introduce a strong civic education programme on tax collection to help traders and the wider public better understand why taxes are collected, how they are used, and how they can support service delivery and investment growth.

Thomas Mutto, a business consultant at the Juba Economic Zone and patron of the Central Equatoria Business Union (CEBU), said weak awareness about tax systems has damaged relations between traders and tax collection institutions. He said many business owners do not clearly understand tax laws, rates, timelines, or how tax revenues are used to support public services and economic development.

Mutto said this lack of information has contributed to growing tensions in fast growing urban centres such as Juba and Yei, where traders have repeatedly clashed with tax officials. Business owners have often complained about what they describe as unclear and multiple tax collections, while seeing little improvement in services that support trade, such as roads, security, and market facilities.

He said better civic education and regular information sharing between authorities and the business community would help reduce misunderstandings and disputes. According to Mutto, clear explanations of tax laws, collection procedures, and payment timelines would improve trust, raise compliance, and support the growth of small and medium sized businesses in Central Equatoria State.

Mutto said awareness on tax collection is important because it can reduce conflicts between traders and tax officials. He added that when business people understand what they are required to pay and when, they are more likely to cooperate with authorities and plan their businesses more effectively.

In recent years, several traders in both Yei and Juba have closed newly established businesses, citing high taxes and multiple charges as key reasons. Many small traders say the pressure of paying several fees at different levels of government has made it difficult for young businesses to survive.

Despite these challenges, Mutto said the Central Equatoria State Business Union will continue to push for fair and transparent tax collection. He said the union is advocating for tax harmonisation, skills development, stronger business networks, and closer cooperation with policymakers at local, national, regional, and international levels to improve the overall business and investment climate in the state.

He also encouraged young South Sudanese to consider entrepreneurship as a path to self reliance and economic stability. He said private sector investment remains critical for job creation and long term development, especially in a country facing economic and humanitarian pressures.

Mutto said the business union has signed several memorandums of understanding on trade and investment with local, regional, and international partners, including companies and investors from China, Germany, and neighbouring countries. He said these agreements focus on trade, partnerships, investment opportunities, and capacity building for local businesses.

He added that the union continues to engage with county, state, and national governments to promote favourable business policies and attract investment across all six counties of Central Equatoria State. According to Mutto, consistent dialogue between government and the private sector is essential for building confidence and encouraging both local and foreign investors.

Mutto welcomed the government’s recent approval of the Public Private Partnership policy framework by the national cabinet. He said the policy creates new opportunities for collaboration between government and private investors and called on South Sudanese, especially young people, to identify existing business opportunities and play an active role in national development through enterprise.

He made the remarks while speaking on the Access Radio Breakfast Show, which focused on how entrepreneurship can drive social and economic development in difficult environments.

 Key Areas Where Civic Tax Education Can Support Businesses