(RUMBEK) – The National Minister of Finance and Planning, Hon Athian Diing Athian, has described the newly inaugurated Rumbek Currency Centre in Lakes State as a major milestone in South Sudan’s economic development and a key pillar in the government’s efforts to stabilise the national economy.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the facility on 1 November 2025, the Minister said the new centre demonstrates the country’s readiness to strengthen and modernise the Bank of South Sudan (BoSS), while enhancing financial sovereignty and improving the management of the national currency, the South Sudan Pound (SSP).
Hon Athian said the government remains committed to ensuring that both the public and private sectors increasingly use the South Sudan Pound for all financial transactions. He explained that the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank are working together to reduce excessive reliance on the US dollar, which has weakened the local currency and made trade more costly.
According to the Minister, the Rumbek Currency Centre forms part of the government’s Public Financial Management (PFM) reforms and broader macroeconomic stabilisation agenda. The facility is expected to make cash distribution more efficient across the country and strengthen local confidence in the national currency.
“The currency centre is crucial in ensuring our financial sovereignty by improving our ability to manage and control our own money, which is the lifeline of our economy,” Hon Athian said.
He acknowledged that the country continues to face complex economic challenges, including inflation and currency volatility, but expressed optimism that reforms being implemented by the government and BoSS will gradually restore stability.
The Minister added that the new currency centre also represents an investment in human capital. The facility is expected to create jobs, support skill development, and contribute to regional economic activity. He said these efforts are in line with the ruling SPLM’s vision of taking towns to the people, a principle that seeks to promote decentralised development.
Hon Athian extended his gratitude to Dr Addis Ababa Othow Akongdit, Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, and his team for their efforts in completing the project, calling it “a Christmas gift to the Bank’s family and to the people of South Sudan.”
He concluded by urging continued cooperation between the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank, and other stakeholders in building a strong, stable, and inclusive economy anchored on trust in national institutions and the South Sudan Pound.
Finance Minister: Rumbek Centre a Pillar of Economic Growth
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Facility Name | Rumbek Currency Centre |
| Location | Rumbek, Lakes State, South Sudan |
| Implemented By | Bank of South Sudan (BoSS) |
| Opened On | 1 November 2025 |
| Key Guest | Hon Athian Diing Athian, Minister of Finance and Planning |
| Project Objective | Strengthen currency management, promote SSP usage, and decentralise financial operations |
| Economic Impact | Improved financial stability, reduced dollar dependence, job creation, and increased public confidence |
| Estimated Value | Not Disclosed |
| Future Plans | Establish similar currency centres in other states to promote nationwide access to financial services |
| Policy Link | Supports government’s PFM reform and macroeconomic stabilisation agenda |
The Rumbek Currency Centre opening follows recent financial reforms aimed at improving liquidity, reducing inflation, and strengthening regional economic activity. Analysts at the central bank suggested decentralising such facilities will not only enhance monetary stability but also encourage local businesses to operate more confidently in the national currency.