(JUBA) – The South Sudan Revenue Authority and the African Development Bank have held discussions in Juba focused on boosting revenue administration and strengthening ongoing institutional reforms. The meeting came as part of the Bank’s visit to review progress under its economic governance projects in the country.
The Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority, William Anyuon Kuol, met the AfDB delegation led by country programme officer Ms Fauzia Hajji and senior governance specialist Mr Abdiwahab Ali. The discussions centred on the implementation of the Bank funded NORMA one and NORMA two projects, which are designed to improve efficiency in tax collection and support the wider reform programme at the Authority.
During the meeting at the SSRA headquarters, the delegation praised the progress recorded in recent months, particularly in revenue performance. According to the SSRA, the support from the Bank has contributed to improvements across departments and strengthened internal systems.
The AfDB team also confirmed its continued backing for the Authority’s reform agenda. Key interventions under way include support for the South Sudan Institute of Revenue Administration, which is being developed as the country’s main training centre for tax officials. The delegation also said the Bank plans to provide a border scanner for Nimule, which is expected to help reduce revenue losses, speed up clearance and improve monitoring at the busiest border point.
The Commissioner General thanked the Bank for what he described as steady and meaningful cooperation. He said the partnership was supporting the country’s ambition to build a modern and reliable revenue administration system. No financial figures were provided during the meeting, and no local currency transactions were discussed.
The AfDB team is in South Sudan to supervise three economic governance projects, including the two NORMA programmes. The delegation will continue engagement with Commissioners and departmental heads over the coming days to assess progress and identify further areas where support may be required.
The talks come at a time when the government is pushing to improve domestic revenue to reduce its dependence on oil, with reforms at the SSRA seen as central to this effort.
Summary of SSRA – AfDB Engagement
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Meeting location | SSRA Headquarters, Juba |
| SSRA representative | Commissioner General William Anyuon Kuol |
| AfDB representatives | Ms Fauzia Hajji (Country Programme Officer), Mr Abdiwahab Ali (Senior Governance Specialist) |
| Main agenda | Review progress of NORMA one and NORMA two projects |
| Key AfDB interventions | Support to South Sudan Institute of Revenue Administration, planned border scanner for Nimule |
| AfDB assessment | Commended SSRA for improved revenue performance |
| SSRA position | Appreciated AfDB support in building modern revenue systems |
| Upcoming activities | AfDB to hold follow up meetings with Commissioners and departmental heads |
