(YEI RIVER COUNTY, CENTRAL EQUATORIA) – A South Sudanese business expert has urged national and state authorities to introduce a structured civic education programme on tax collection, saying better awareness would improve compliance, service delivery, and investment confidence across the country.
Thomas Mutto, a consultant at the Juba Economic Zone and patron of the Central Equatoria Business Union, said poor understanding of tax systems has weakened relations between traders and tax collection institutions. He said many business owners lack clear information on why taxes are collected, how much should be paid, when payments are due, and how revenues are used to support public services and economic growth.
Mutto said this information gap has led to repeated disputes in fast growing towns such as Juba and Yei, where traders have clashed with tax officials. Business owners have complained about unclear and multiple layers of tax collection, while pointing to limited visible returns in services that support commerce, including market infrastructure, roads, and security.
He said targeted civic education and regular information sharing with the business community would help improve tax collection and working relations between authorities and traders. According to Mutto, clearer guidance on tax laws and payment timelines would reduce disputes, increase compliance, and support the growth of small and medium sized enterprises in Central Equatoria State and beyond.
Mutto said awareness on tax collection is essential because it helps prevent conflicts and allows businesses to plan their operations more effectively. He added that when traders understand tax rules and see transparency in how revenues are used, trust in public institutions is likely to improve.
Several traders in Yei and Juba have closed newly established businesses in recent years, citing high and multiple taxes as a major challenge. Small business owners say overlapping charges at different levels of government have increased operating costs and reduced profitability, making it difficult for new enterprises to survive.
Despite these challenges, Mutto said the leadership of the Central Equatoria State Business Union will continue to advocate for fair and transparent tax collection. He said the union is pushing for tax harmonisation, skills development, stronger business networks, and closer cooperation with policymakers at local, national, regional, and international levels to improve the business and investment environment in the state.
He also encouraged young South Sudanese to enter business and investment as a way to promote self reliance and economic stability. He said a stronger private sector is critical for job creation and long term growth, especially at a time when the public sector faces financial pressure.
Mutto said the business union has signed several memorandums of understanding on trade and investment with local, regional, and international investors, including partners from China, Germany, and neighbouring countries. He said these agreements focus on trade, partnerships, investment opportunities, and capacity building to strengthen local enterprises.
He added that the union continues to engage county, state, and national governments to promote supportive business policies and attract investment across all six counties of Central Equatoria State. According to Mutto, consistent dialogue between government and the private sector is key to improving investor confidence in South Sudan.
Mutto welcomed the recent approval of the Public Private Partnership policy framework by the national cabinet. He said the framework opens new opportunities for cooperation between government and private investors and urged South Sudanese, particularly the youth, to identify existing opportunities and contribute to national development through business investment.
He made the remarks during an Access Radio Breakfast Show discussion on how entrepreneurship can drive social and economic development in challenging environments.
Expected Business Impact of Tax Civic Education
| Area | Expected outcome |
|---|---|
| Clear tax rules | Fewer disputes with authorities |
| Payment timelines | Better cash flow planning |
| Transparency on revenue use | Increased trader confidence |
| Regular dialogue | Improved compliance |
| Investment awareness | Growth of small enterprises |
