(JUBA) – The Bank of South Sudan has published its official daily foreign exchange rates for Thursday, 21 August 2025, showing marginal adjustments across major currencies. The South Sudanese pound (SSP) continues to trade under pressure, with one US dollar officially valued at SSP 4,608.94 (selling) and SSP 4,472.72 (buying).
The publication comes at a time when businesses, importers and households are closely monitoring the exchange rate due to the direct impact on the cost of goods, services and cross border trade. The central bank’s official guidance is intended to stabilise market expectations, though traders note that parallel market rates remain considerably higher.
Official Exchange Rates – 21 August 2025
| Currency | Selling (SSP) | Buying (SSP) | Approx. Equivalent in USD* |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Dollar (USD) | 4,608.94 | 4,472.72 | 1.00 |
| Euro (EUR) | 5,363.43 | 5,204.46 | 1.16 |
| British Pound (GBP) | 6,220.23 | 6,035.94 | 1.35 |
| Kenyan Shilling (KSH) | 35.74 | 34.55 | 0.0077 |
| Ugandan Shilling (UGX) | 1.31 | 1.24 | 0.00028 |
| Sudanese Pound (SDG) | 7.71 | 7.42 | 0.0017 |
| Ethiopian Birr (ETB) | 32.60 | 31.46 | 0.0071 |
| Rwandan Franc (RWF) | 3.20 | 3.09 | 0.0007 |
| Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) | 1.83 | 1.78 | 0.0004 |
| Burundian Franc (BIF) | 1.58 | 1.50 | 0.00034 |
*USD equivalents are approximate based on official rates.
Market Context
At the official rate, SSP 1 million is worth around USD 217, exposing the sharp depreciation of the local currency over the past year. Traders report that while the Bank of South Sudan provides guidance, the reality on the streets differs, with the dollar selling significantly higher in parallel markets.
Parallel market rates in Juba and other towns are currently estimated at SSP 5,900 – 6,100 per US dollar, almost SSP 1,300–1,500 above the official rate. Even at official central bank auctions, dollars are often sold at rates up to SSP 1,000 above the posted reference rate.
This wide gap between official and parallel market levels has increased uncertainty for importers and small businesses. Most traders prefer the parallel market due to easier access to hard currency, despite the higher costs.
Regional Currencies
Neighbouring regional currencies also show mixed performance. The Kenyan shilling trades officially at SSP 35.74 per unit, roughly USD 0.0077, while the Ugandan shilling is valued at SSP 1.31 per unit, reflecting South Sudan’s reliance on trade with East African neighbours.
The Ethiopian birr remains relatively strong at SSP 32.60, while the Sudanese pound stands at SSP 7.71, though cross-border trade with Sudan continues to face disruption due to political instability.
Outlook
South Sudan’s economy remains heavily dependent on oil revenue, but the weakness of the South Sudanese pound against major currencies continues to weigh on consumer prices and the cost of imports. Narrowing the gap between official and parallel market rates remains key to restoring public confidence and easing inflationary pressure.
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. The above figures are official rates published by the Bank of South Sudan. Approximate parallel market rates are provided for context only. This update is for informational purposes and should not be considered financial advice. Jakony.com® is not a financial advisory service.
