(JUBA) – The official foreign exchange market in South Sudan recorded only marginal fluctuations during the trading week of 11 to 15 August 2025, according to a comparative weekly review of rates published by the Bank of South Sudan (BoSS).
The official figures indicate slight but notable changes in the value of the South Sudanese Pound (SSP) against major global currencies, reflecting a stable market environment amid broader regional and international economic uncertainties.
In the first daily update on Monday 11 August, the Central Bank quoted the South Sudanese Pound at SSP 4,606.65 per US dollar on the selling side (equivalent to approximately USD 1.00 = SSP 4,606.65, or USD 1 = SSP 4,606.65), and SSP 4,470.50 on the buying side. By Friday 15 August, the SSP slightly weakened, with the selling rate rising to SSP 4,620.05 per US dollar, representing less than a 0.3% increase over the week.
The Pound also depreciated marginally against other major currencies, particularly the euro and the British pound. The official GBP selling rate increased from SSP 6,189.50 (USD≈1.35 equivalent) on 11 August to SSP 6,276.35 on 15 August. Likewise, the euro moved from SSP 5,358.92 to SSP 5,398.54 over the same period.
The table below provides a simple comparison of selected official exchange rates for the two dates:
| Currency | 11 Aug (Selling) | 15 Aug (Selling) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD | SSP 4,606.65 | SSP 4,620.06 | +0.3% |
| EUR | SSP 5,358.92 | SSP 5,398.54 | +0.7% |
| GBP | SSP 6,189.50 | SSP 6,276.35 | +1.4% |
| KES | SSP 35.67 | SSP 35.81 | +0.4% |
| UGX | SSP 1.29 | SSP 1.31 | +1.6% |
The minor uptick in rates appears in line with broader global currency trends, including a slight strengthening of the US dollar on international markets. Domestically, South Sudan continues to face structural pressure on its foreign reserves caused by irregular oil export flows and limited non-oil revenues.
Despite the official stability, commercial banks and authorised forex bureaus in Juba and other cities have been quoting higher parallel market rates during the same week. Market traders have reported informal dollar sale prices fluctuating between SSP 5,500 and SSP 6,500 per US dollar, reflecting sustained demand for foreign currency by importers and the private sector.
It is worth noting that even the Bank of South Sudan reportedly auctioned foreign exchange last week at minimum rates above SSP 5,500 per dollar.
Economic analysts note that additional pressure could emerge in the coming weeks due to increased seasonal demand for essential goods, coupled with slower oil revenues. However, unless major shocks arise, the official exchange rate is expected to remain broadly stable for the short term.
Disclaimer
Official exchange rates provided by the Bank of South Sudan do not reflect prevailing parallel market prices in Juba and other parts of the country. Market participants and importers are advised that unofficial rates remain higher, with recent central bank forex auctions reportedly conducted at or above SSP 5,500 per USD.
