(JUBA) – The South Sudanese Pound (SSP) continued to lose value in the real market during the week of 15 to 19 September 2025, with the United States Dollar trading at between 7,000 and 7,200 SSP in Juba’s parallel market.
The Bank of South Sudan (BoSS), however, maintained official exchange rates that showed only minor changes. According to its bulletin, the Dollar closed the week at 4,652.48 SSP for selling and 4,514.97 SSP for buying. This represents a gap of more than 2,500 SSP per Dollar between the official rate and the actual price in the streets and trading centres.
The Euro and British Pound also tracked higher in the informal market, with traders in Juba quoting the Euro at around 7,800 SSP and the Pound Sterling close to 9,000 SSP, compared to the official rates of 5,503.88 SSP and 6,345.98 SSP respectively.
Regional currencies remained more stable. The Kenyan Shilling traded informally at about 72 SSP, nearly double the official rate of 36.09 SSP. The Ugandan Shilling was exchanging in Juba at around 2.50 SSP, compared to the official 1.34 SSP posted by the central bank.
Parallel Market Rates vs Official Rates (19 Sept 2025)
| Currency | Official BoSS Selling | Parallel Market (Approx.) | Gap (SSP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD | 4,652.48 SSP (~$0.65) | 7,000 – 7,200 SSP (~$0.00014) | +2,350 |
| EURO | 5,503.88 SSP (~$0.77) | 7,800 SSP (~$0.00013) | +2,296 |
| GBP | 6,345.98 SSP (~$0.89) | 9,000 SSP (~$0.00011) | +2,654 |
| KSH | 36.09 SSP (~$0.0051) | 72 SSP (~$0.0014) | +36 |
| UGX | 1.34 SSP (~$0.00019) | 2.50 SSP (~$0.00014) | +1.16 |
USD equivalents calculated at $1 = 7,100 SSP (parallel market rate, Sept 2025).
The wide gap between official and parallel market rates continues to shape trade, imports, and retail pricing. While the central bank issues daily reference rates, most businesses and traders rely on street values to guide transactions, especially in cross-border trade with Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia.
Market participants attribute the widening difference to limited dollar supply, growing demand for imports, and reduced central bank interventions. Traders in Juba and major towns said the availability of hard currency remains tight, forcing them to source from informal dealers.
Disclaimer
Parallel market rates are much higher by as much as SSP 2,500 to the dollar. Even the central bank’s September foreign exchange auctions were at rates higher than official figures by as much as SSP 1,100 per dollar. On the parallel market, the US Dollar was exchanging in the 7,000–7,200 SSP range during the week.
This article is for information only. It is not financial advice. Jakony.com® does not provide investment or trading guidance.
