Central Bank Chief Returns From Gulf Mission

(JUBA COUNTY) – The Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, Hon. Yeni Samuel Costa, has returned to Juba following an official mission to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. The visit forms part of the central bank’s continued engagement with external partners at a time when South Sudan’s financial sector is under pressure from inflation, currency weakness, and limited foreign exchange inflows.

Upon arrival in Juba on Thursday, the Governor was received by senior management of the Bank of South Sudan, including Directors General and other top officials. The reception reflected the institutional importance of the mission, which took place as the country seeks stronger international cooperation to support monetary stability and financial sector reform.

While specific details of the meetings held in Abu Dhabi were not disclosed, official missions of this nature typically focus on cooperation with financial institutions, development partners, and investors. For South Sudan, such engagement is critical as the country works to stabilise the South Sudanese pound and improve confidence in the banking system.

The return of the Governor also comes at the end of a challenging year for the economy. High inflation, which exceeded 100 percent in 2025, and continued pressure on the exchange rate have increased the cost of living and raised operating risks for businesses. At the current real market rate in December 2025, one United States dollar exchanges at about 7,100 South Sudanese pounds, a level that continues to affect imports, credit costs, and overall market confidence.

In a separate message released during the Christmas period, Governor Costa extended seasonal greetings to President Salva Kiir Mayardit, the people of South Sudan, and employees across the banking sector. He used the message to recognise the role of financial institutions in supporting economic stability during a difficult period.

The Governor praised staff of the Bank of South Sudan and the wider financial community for their continued commitment to strengthening the economy. He noted that their work remains central to restoring confidence, supporting payment systems, and maintaining basic financial services across the country.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Governor expressed optimism that the new year could bring renewed opportunities and more stable economic conditions. He called for unity, resilience, and shared effort in building a stronger financial system that can support growth and development.

For the business community, the Governor’s return and public messaging signal continuity in leadership at the central bank. Stability at the Bank of South Sudan is seen as important for ongoing reforms, engagement with international partners, and efforts to manage inflation and currency pressures in the year ahead.

Key Context for South Sudan’s Financial Sector

Attention from businesses and investors will remain on how the central bank translates external engagement into practical measures that support stability, confidence, and sustainable economic activity as South Sudan enters 2026.