Digital Push by NSIF Targets Citizens Outside Government Payroll

(JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN) – A sweeping change in how citizens access social security is on the horizon after the National Social Insurance Fund board backed a new digital platform.

The decision caps weeks of internal preparation. Only days before the board meeting, Managing Director Reec Ring Bol had chaired an executive session that finalised the building blocks of the new system.

That meeting approved a new NSIF website, a data control system, registration forms for individuals and employers, a remittance framework, individual worker accounts and designated partner banks. All were packaged for the board’s final nod.

The extraordinary board meeting was chaired by the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Labour, Deng Tong Kenjok. The board brings together senior government figures and worker representatives.

Its members include William Chan Achuil, Undersecretary for Humanitarian Affairs, as deputy chair; Adeng Andrew Majok, Undersecretary for Gender, Child and Social Welfare; Pasquala Micheal Apai from the Federation of Workers Trade Union; Dr Anthony Akol from the Medical Commission; Bol Andrew Wieu from the Employers Association; and Elijah Manyok from the Social Insurance Beneficiaries Union.

The board received a briefing on the fund’s recent progress.

It praised the executive management for putting in place a suite of legal and policy documents, including NSIF Regulations 2026, a governance policy, a communication strategy, and an engagement plan. These frameworks are designed to support the new platform, which promises transparency, accountability and access to services both online and offline.

The system is pitched at workers in the private sector, non governmental organisations, diplomatic missions, United Nations agencies and other international bodies. The ability to register offline is considered vital for reaching citizens in areas with poor internet access.

The board stressed that public engagement and continuous awareness would be essential. Without it, they argued, trust would remain a barrier even with a modern system.

The executive management had already approved a public engagement workshop to address long standing accusations against the fund and clarify its legal establishment.

The push to modernise comes as the fund also works to mend fences with other state bodies.

On 16 June, NSIF leadership met with the newly appointed Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority, Ambassador Moun Deng Ajuet.

The two institutions agreed to form a joint legal team to review past circulars from the tax body and find common ground on taxation laws. The cooperation will be set out in a draft Memorandum of Understanding.

The fund stated it remains committed to working with all partners to promote transparency and inclusiveness as a support to economic growth.

No date was given for the public launch of the digital system.