(JUBA) – The Bank of South Sudan (BoSS) has directed all licensed commercial banks in the country to connect to the newly launched South Sudan Interbank and Settlement System (SSIPSS) by 31 January 2026. The move follows the successful rollout of the platform on 10 October 2025, which saw thirteen commercial banks already integrated and operating under the new digital payment structure.
The SSIPSS is a key milestone in the modernisation of South Sudan’s financial infrastructure. It aims to enhance efficiency, security, and transparency in the national payment system, while reducing risks associated with manual transactions and delayed settlements. According to the circular issued by the Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, Hon. Dr. Addi Ababa Othow, the initiative will improve interbank transactions and support a more stable financial sector.
Under the new directive, all commercial banks operating in South Sudan are required to complete their integration with the SSIPSS within three months. Failure to meet the deadline will attract penalties. Any bank that does not connect by the deadline will be charged a late connection fee of 100,000 US dollars (equivalent to 710 million South Sudanese pounds), based on the current exchange rate of 1 USD to 7,100 SSP.
In addition to the fine, the central bank may impose administrative penalties, including restrictions on participation in certain interbank operations, and reserves the right to publicly name non-compliant institutions. The circular emphasises that the measures are intended to encourage full compliance and strengthen the country’s payment ecosystem.
The directive draws its authority from section 12(1) of the Bank of South Sudan Act, 2011, as amended in 2023, which mandates the central bank to regulate and promote a safe, sound, and inclusive financial system.
BoSS stated that it will continue to provide technical support to banks during the integration period through its National Payment Systems Department. The department will offer assistance in technical setup, testing, and operations to ensure that every financial institution is smoothly connected to the platform.
Governor Othow said the new system will be vital in achieving a “modern, efficient, and interoperable national payment ecosystem,” adding that all banks must give the directive their highest priority. The SSIPSS is expected to strengthen financial stability, enhance trust in the banking sector, and lay the foundation for digital financial inclusion in South Sudan.
Summary of BoSS SSIPSS Compliance Directive
| Item | Description | Deadline / Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Connection Deadline | All commercial banks must connect to SSIPSS | 31 January 2026 |
| Late Connection Charge | Fee for banks failing to connect on time | USD 100,000 (SSP 710,000,000) |
| Administrative Penalty | Possible sanctions for persistent non-compliance | Operational restrictions |
| Public Disclosure | Non-compliant banks may be publicly listed | As deemed necessary |
| Technical Support | Available from BoSS National Payment Systems Department | Continuous during onboarding |
The central bank’s move marks a major step towards improving digital financial operations in South Sudan, promoting safer interbank transactions, and preparing the financial sector for regional integration and electronic payments.
For technical coordination, banks are advised to contact the Director of Payment Systems Department at the Bank of South Sudan through akum.sabahker@boss.gov.ss.
Issued in Juba on 4 November 2025, the directive, according to the central bank governor, reinforces the government’s broader goal of strengthening the country’s financial system and ensuring all banking institutions operate under a unified, technology driven settlement framework.