(JUBA) – The Bank of South Sudan has released its official daily foreign exchange rates for Wednesday, 20 August 2025, showing the South Sudanese Pound (SSP) trading against key international and regional currencies. The new rates indicate slight fluctuations across major currencies, reflecting both global market pressures and regional trade dynamics.
According to the published data, the United States Dollar (USD) is selling at SSP 4,611.68 and buying at SSP 4,475.38. At current conversion, this places the official dollar exchange rate at approximately USD 1 = SSP 4,543.
The Euro (EUR) is quoted at SSP 5,384.60 for selling and SSP 5,224.55 for buying, while the British Pound (GBP) stands at SSP 6,235.92 for selling and SSP 6,050.71 for buying. These movements reflect the strength of European currencies against the SSP as the Eurozone and UK markets stabilise after recent economic reports.
Regional Currencies
In the East African region, the Kenyan Shilling (KSH) is trading at SSP 35.75 for selling and SSP 34.59 for buying. The Ugandan Shilling (UGX) is set at SSP 1.31 for selling and SSP 1.24 for buying. The Ethiopian Birr (ETB) was recorded at SSP 32.83 for selling and SSP 31.64 for buying.
The Sudanese Pound (SDG), South Sudan’s immediate neighbour’s currency, is trading at SSP 7.72 for selling and SSP 7.41 for buying. Meanwhile, the Rwandan Franc (RWF), Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), and Burundian Franc (BIF) are trading at relatively lower levels, reflecting smaller-scale trade linkages with South Sudan.
Summary of Official Exchange Rates (20 August 2025)
| Currency | Selling (SSP) | Buying (SSP) | Equivalent (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD | 4,611.68 | 4,475.38 | 1.00 |
| EURO | 5,384.60 | 5,224.55 | ~1.19 |
| GBP | 6,235.92 | 6,050.71 | ~1.36 |
| KSH | 35.75 | 34.59 | ~0.0077 |
| UGX | 1.31 | 1.24 | ~0.00027 |
| SDG | 7.72 | 7.41 | ~0.0017 |
| ETB | 32.83 | 31.64 | ~0.0072 |
| RWF | 3.20 | 3.09 | ~0.0007 |
| TZS | 1.78 | 1.73 | ~0.00039 |
| BIF | 1.58 | 1.50 | ~0.00034 |
Exchange rates are based on official Bank of South Sudan figures.
Parallel Market Conditions
Despite the official figures, the parallel market in Juba and other towns continues to trade at much higher rates. The US dollar is currently estimated at SSP 6,000 – 6,100 per USD, far above the official SSP 4,543. The gap reflects ongoing challenges in foreign currency supply, import demand pressures, and inflationary trends within South Sudan.
Economic Implications
The foreign exchange rate remains one of the most closely watched indicators in South Sudan’s economy, influencing the cost of imports, fuel prices, and food markets. While the official exchange rate offers a reference for trade, businesses and households often rely on parallel market rates to access foreign currency.
Disclaimer
Parallel market rates are usually higher by as much as SSP 1,500 to the dollar. Even the Central Bank rate auctions foreign currency at rates higher than official rates by as much as SSP 1,000 to the dollar. Provided parallel market figures are approximate and subject to change. This information is for reporting purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Jakony.com® is not a financial advisory service.
Approximate Parallel Market Rates – 20 August 2025
| Currency | Estimated Rate (SSP) | Equivalent (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| USD | 6,000 – 6,100 | 1.00 |
| EURO | 6,950 – 7,050 | ~1.15 |
| GBP | 8,000 – 8,100 | ~1.33 |
| KSH | 45 – 46 | ~0.0075 |
| UGX | 1.60 – 1.65 | ~0.00027 |
| SDG | 10 – 10.2 | ~0.0016 |
| ETB | 40 – 41 | ~0.0067 |
| RWF | 3.9 – 4.0 | ~0.00065 |
| TZS | 2.2 – 2.3 | ~0.00037 |
| BIF | 1.95 – 2.0 | ~0.00033 |
Parallel market rates are estimated based on market surveys in Juba and other urban centres.
Exchange Rates: Official vs Parallel Market – 20 August 2025
| Currency | Official Selling (SSP) | Official Buying (SSP) | Parallel Market (SSP) | Equivalent (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD | 4,611.68 | 4,475.38 | 6,000 – 6,100 | 1.00 |
| EURO | 5,384.60 | 5,224.55 | 6,950 – 7,050 | ~1.15 – 1.19 |
| GBP | 6,235.92 | 6,050.71 | 8,000 – 8,100 | ~1.33 – 1.36 |
| KSH | 35.75 | 34.59 | 45 – 46 | ~0.0075 – 0.0077 |
| UGX | 1.31 | 1.24 | 1.60 – 1.65 | ~0.00027 |
| SDG | 7.72 | 7.41 | 10 – 10.2 | ~0.0016 – 0.0017 |
| ETB | 32.83 | 31.64 | 40 – 41 | ~0.0067 – 0.0072 |
| RWF | 3.20 | 3.09 | 3.9 – 4.0 | ~0.00065 – 0.0007 |
| TZS | 1.78 | 1.73 | 2.2 – 2.3 | ~0.00037 – 0.00039 |
| BIF | 1.58 | 1.50 | 1.95 – 2.0 | ~0.00033 – 0.00034 |
Figures compiled from official Bank of South Sudan releases and market surveys in Juba.
Market Implications
The widening gap between the official and parallel markets continues to affect businesses and households in South Sudan. Importers and traders often rely on street rates to source foreign currency, making goods and services more expensive for consumers.
The spread between the two rates also complicates policy implementation, as the official figures provide a baseline for government transactions, while the real economy operates closer to parallel market conditions.
What the Forex Gap Means for South Sudan
The persistence of a two tier currency system reveals ongoing challenges in South Sudan’s economy. The official exchange rate provides stability for government budgeting, donor transactions and international reporting. However, with the parallel market dollar nearly SSP 1,500 higher than the official rate, most private businesses prefer street transactions to secure cash quickly.
This divergence drives up the cost of imports particularly fuel, food and construction materials and feeds into consumer inflation. For households, it means prices in local markets often reflect the parallel rate rather than the officially quoted rate, making the SSP’s real purchasing power weaker than official data suggests.
If the gap widens further, South Sudan risks discouraging formal investment while fuelling more activity in unregulated markets. Without increased foreign currency inflows whether from oil exports, donor support or diversification of the economy, the parallel market will continue to dominate.
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