BoSS Finalises Payment System to Connect Banks, Telecoms and Fintech

(JUBA) – The Bank of South Sudan (BOSS) has concluded final preparations for the official launch of the country’s National Payment System (NPS), a major financial infrastructure project aimed at transforming the way money is transferred and managed across the nation.

The announcement was made following a high level meeting held on Thursday, 7 August 2025, at the Central Bank headquarters in Juba. The meeting was chaired by Akum David Sabahker, Director of the National Payment System, and brought together representatives from the telecommunications, fintech, and banking sectors.

According to Director Sabahker, the new system will rely heavily on mobile money platforms, which he described as a critical component for achieving nationwide financial inclusion. He explained that the goal is to create a fully integrated and interoperable system that allows South Sudanese citizens to transfer money across different networks securely and efficiently.

“Mobile money will be the backbone of this system,” Sabahker said, adding that the Central Bank has engaged extensively with telecom companies, fintech start ups and traditional financial institutions to ensure that the new platform will be accessible, seamless and trustworthy.

The National Payment System is expected to streamline digital transactions, enhance transparency in the flow of funds and reduce dependence on physical cash in both urban and rural areas. It will also help strengthen regulatory oversight, improve economic data collection, and enable faster government to person payments, particularly for salaries, grants and social transfers.

With the East African region already advancing in digital finance infrastructure, South Sudan’s adoption of a unified national payment system is seen as a strategic step to boost economic integration and competitiveness.

Once launched, the NPS will serve as the central switch for all electronic transactions in South Sudan, allowing banks and mobile money operators to connect through a secure and standardised digital platform. This is expected to expand access to banking services for unbanked populations and reduce the time and cost associated with transferring money.

Officials say that the NPS will contribute to these efforts by improving revenue collection and reducing leakages in public spending. The Central Bank has not yet announced the official launch date.

The development of the National Payment System has received support from international financial institutions and development partners, with the Central Bank committing to provide training and support to participating institutions to ensure smooth implementation.