(Juba) – South Sudanese citizens can now receive money more easily from relatives and friends abroad following the expansion of MTN South Sudan’s mobile money platform, MoMo, to support international transfers from 12 countries.
The upgraded service enables South Sudanese residents to receive direct remittances through their phones from countries including South Africa, the United States, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Cameroon, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The move is part of MTN’s initiative to strengthen financial inclusion in South Sudan and across Africa. Remittances from the diaspora remain a vital source of support for many families, helping to cover school fees, healthcare, food, housing, and small business needs.
To access the MoMo service, users can register free of charge by dialling *200# on any MTN mobile phone. Once registered, users can receive money quickly and securely without needing to visit a bank. The funds are transferred directly to their mobile wallets, making it easier for people in remote or rural areas to access financial services.
Mobile money services like MoMo are increasingly being used across Africa to fill the gap left by underdeveloped banking systems. In South Sudan, where bank branches are limited and often only found in major towns, mobile money offers a reliable and accessible alternative.
At present, 1 US Dollar equals approximately 4,600 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP). The MoMo platform allows direct conversion into SSP, saving users the time, cost, and risk of travelling to a bank or currency exchange centre. This is particularly important given current inflation pressures, which have weakened household purchasing power.
MTN says the expanded service is not just about receiving money. MoMo users can also buy airtime, pay bills, and use the platform to save money digitally. The company has launched a digital awareness campaign to show how the service can simplify daily life, particularly for young people and rural families.
The development is expected to increase trust in mobile-based financial transactions in South Sudan and expand MTN’s customer base. The service aims to bridge the gap for those excluded from traditional banking and support the financial needs of people living in regions with limited infrastructure.
MoMo has already proven successful in other African markets, and its growing international footprint is making it easier for diaspora communities to send money home. With South Sudanese workers living abroad in significant numbers, the ability to send funds directly to family members’ phones is seen as a major step toward financial empowerment.
