(JUBA) – The Government of South Sudan has stepped up efforts to enforce full compliance with the national digital revenue collection system as part of wider reforms aimed at improving public finance management and domestic revenue mobilisation.
The Ministry of Finance and Planning, working closely with the South Sudan Revenue Authority, has reaffirmed that all government institutions and parastatals must fully adopt and use the SSRA e-Services Revenue Collection System. The renewed push follows concerns about fragmented revenue practices and weak oversight across public institutions.
The commitment was reinforced during a high level meeting held on Monday, 5 January, in Juba. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr Barnaba Bak Chol, and co chaired by the Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority, William Anyuon Kuol. The discussions were guided by Republican Order No. 35, which directs mandatory use of the digital system by all public entities.
Senior government officials who attended the meeting stressed that the South Sudan Revenue Authority remains the sole legally mandated body responsible for collecting government revenue. They underlined that any parallel systems or manual collection methods undermine efficiency and reduce the government’s ability to track and manage public funds effectively.
According to officials, the E Services Revenue Collection System is designed to centralise all government revenue on a single digital platform. This approach is expected to improve transparency by creating clear digital records, enhance accountability through real time monitoring, and reduce opportunities for revenue leakages across ministries, departments and agencies.
The Ministry of Finance and Planning stated that full compliance will also improve efficiency by shortening payment processes and reducing administrative delays. Accurate data generated by the system is expected to support better budget planning and more informed policy decisions, particularly at a time when South Sudan faces fiscal pressure and rising public expenditure needs.
The reform is part of broader efforts to modernise revenue administration and strengthen public financial management. Authorities said the system will be rolled out nationwide, covering both national institutions and state level entities, to ensure consistency in revenue collection practices across the country.
Officials noted that improved domestic revenue collection is critical for reducing dependence on external support and increasing the government’s capacity to fund essential services and infrastructure. Through strengthening internal controls, the government aims to build greater confidence among development partners and the private sector.
As part of the implementation process, the South Sudan Revenue Authority will continue to provide technical guidance and oversight to ensure smooth adoption of the system. Institutions that fail to comply may face administrative measures in line with existing laws and regulations.
Features of the SSRA E Services Revenue Collection System
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Centralised digital platform | Ensures all government revenue is recorded in one system |
| Real time transaction tracking | Improves transparency and monitoring |
| Automated reporting | Supports accurate financial planning |
| Nationwide rollout | Standardises revenue collection across South Sudan |
The government has indicated that sustained political support and cooperation from all public institutions will be essential for the success of the reform. Authorities believe that full compliance with the digital revenue system will mark a significant step towards stronger fiscal discipline and improved economic governance in South Sudan.