(JUBA) – The Bank of South Sudan (BoSS) has launched a joint initiative with the country’s major telecommunication operators and the National Communication Authority (NCA) to accelerate the adoption of digital payment systems and reduce dependency on cash transactions.
Governor Dr Addis Ababa Othow and First Deputy Governor Hon. Samuel Yanga Mikaya met with senior officials from MTN South Sudan, Zain South Sudan, and Digicash to develop strategies for expanding digital financial services. The discussions also included representatives from the NCA, who pledged to help boost the country’s digital infrastructure.
The meeting aimed to create practical solutions for integrating mobile money platforms with commercial banks, offering affordable withdrawal tariffs for civil servants, and improving financial transparency. Governor Othow emphasised that restoring public confidence in the banking sector must be a shared responsibility.
“We must work collectively to restore public trust in the banking sector,” Dr Othow said, adding that digital payment systems offer a more efficient and secure alternative to cash transactions.
First Deputy Governor Mikaya underlined the importance of an inclusive digital transformation.
“We are committed to ensuring that the move to digital payments is timely and that no one is left behind,” he said.
A joint committee comprising BoSS, telecom companies, and the NCA was formed during the meeting to identify key challenges and opportunities. The group is expected to propose affordable mobile money transaction tariffs and work closely with banks to simplify digital salary disbursements, particularly for public sector workers.
Telecommunication leaders welcomed the initiative. MTN South Sudan CEO Mapula Bodibe, Digicash Chief Operations Manager Martin Oluoch, and Zain South Sudan CEO Philippe Hanna all pledged their commitment to the partnership. They said the collaboration would help build a more inclusive financial system and bring mobile money services closer to underserved communities.
NCA representative David Chol said the authority was committed to supporting the development of the country’s digital economy by expanding coverage and raising public awareness on the benefits of mobile banking.
Digital payment systems are increasingly seen as a solution to many of the country’s financial management challenges, including salary delays, lack of banking infrastructure in rural areas and high reliance on the US Dollar.