(JUBA) – South Sudan’s Minister of Trade, Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk, has called on traders across the country to adopt mobile money as a standard form of payment, in line with the government’s push to fully implement the National Payment System.
The minister’s remarks came after a meeting in Juba with senior officials from the Bank of South Sudan, including the Director of Communication and Public Relations, Majok Nikodemo Arou, and the Director of the National Payment System, Akum David Sabahker.
Minister Atong stressed the government’s commitment to modernising financial transactions through digital methods. She noted that some traders still refuse mobile money payments in favour of cash, despite the policy shift.
“I know there are traders who still do not accept digital payments and prefer cash, but we want to make one thing very clear – digital payment is now government policy. Citizens who wish to pay through mobile money must be allowed to do so when buying goods or paying for services,” she said.
The minister urged cooperation between traders, the government, and citizens to ensure the system works effectively. “This is not only significant for customers and traders, but also for all of us,” she added.
The adoption of mobile money is part of a wider effort by the government, particularly through the Bank of South Sudan, to strengthen the country’s financial infrastructure, promote transparency, and reduce reliance on cash transactions.
Mobile money platforms are expected to improve payment security, reduce transaction delays, and make financial services more accessible, particularly in rural areas where banking services are limited. The move also aligns with broader regional trends in East Africa, where digital payment systems have contributed to economic growth and financial inclusion.
