(Juba) – The Bank of South Sudan (BoSS) has renewed its commitment to banking reform and modernisation, highlighting transparency, digital innovation, and team-based leadership as key themes during a high-level internal staff meeting held at its Juba headquarters on Friday, 27 June 2025.
The meeting brought together employees from across departments in a rare, open discussion intended to strengthen internal communication and improve operational effectiveness. The Governor of the Bank, Dr Addis Ababa Othow, delivered opening remarks by outlining strategic goals such as ensuring price stability, improving the handling of the national currency, and building capacity through continued training and professional development.
He stressed that institutional reform must go hand in hand with digitisation, a message that reflects broader calls from the public and financial sector stakeholders for South Sudan’s banking system to modernise and meet regional and global standards.
Second Deputy Governor for Administration and Finance, Hon. Rita Nyankiir Akoon, used her address to encourage collective effort in overcoming obstacles. “As a team, we are working tirelessly to build a bridge of peace and harmony,” she said. “In the face of challenges, we count on your commitment and professionalism to move forward together.”
The call for greater staff participation in shaping reforms was echoed by Mr David Manyuon Nak, Director General for Administration and Human Resources. He encouraged open dialogue between leadership and employees, saying the success of institutional change depends on the voices and engagement of those within the bank.
Staff also had the opportunity to express their views. Mr Matiop Deng, acting Chairperson of the BoSS Trade Workers Union, raised several issues that have long concerned employees, including limited access to training, lack of transportation support, and broader welfare concerns. He urged leadership to place these needs higher on the priority list if reform is to be inclusive and effective.
The meeting included an open Q&A session, where both classified and unclassified staff raised questions and provided suggestions. The format was welcomed by attendees as a sign of growing internal transparency.
BoSS leadership closed the session with a shared commitment to institutional change, promising a stronger focus on workplace improvement, professionalism, and digital readiness.
The Bank’s reform agenda comes at a time when many South Sudanese are becoming increasingly vocal about the performance of financial institutions. Recent concerns have centred around rising transaction charges at local money transfer outlets, particularly when using smaller denomination notes. According to online discussions, transfer commissions have reportedly risen from 5% to 7%, unless customers use high-value notes. For instance, fees for transferring 10,000 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP)—roughly $8.35 USD at current exchange rates—can now vary based on the currency note used.
With limited financial infrastructure and high reliance on informal banking methods, citizens often face costly or inefficient services. BoSS’s push for reform and digitisation could provide long-term relief, but public confidence remains tied to how quickly and effectively these changes reach everyday banking practices.
