(JUBA) – South Sudan’s financial sector marked a major leadership change this week as Yeni Samuel Costa formally assumed office as Governor of the Bank of South Sudan. The handover took place on Monday in Juba and has attracted congratulatory messages from senior government officials, financial administrators and members of the public.
The transition is being watched closely by businesses, investors and South Sudan’s banking community, who view the central bank’s leadership as central to economic stability, exchange rate policy and financial sector reforms.
One of the key messages came from former Governor Addis Ababa Othow, who welcomed the appointment and briefed the new governor on the main programmes currently underway at the Bank of South Sudan. These include work on monetary reforms, liquidity management, banking sector supervision and measures designed to stabilise the South Sudan Pound.
The briefing also covered priority areas expected to shape the bank’s next phase, such as improving payment systems, strengthening the regulatory environment for commercial banks and supporting government plans aimed at restoring confidence in the local currency. Market watchers say these areas will be important for South Sudan at a time when inflation pressures remain high and businesses continue to adjust to a volatile exchange rate.
Many financial analysts see the change in leadership as an opportunity for the central bank to push forward with policy actions that support private sector growth, cross border trade and formal banking services across the states. The Bank of South Sudan has often stated that improving the reach of banking services, especially outside Juba, will boost investment and ease the cost of doing business for local traders.
The announcement of the new governor has also led to renewed discussions among business groups about the need for a more predictable monetary environment. Many traders say a stable exchange rate will help them plan stock purchases, organise imports and negotiate contracts with fewer risks. At the current reference rate of one US Dollar to seven thousand one hundred South Sudan Pounds (7,100 SSP), businesses report that they continue to face high operating costs, especially when dealing with foreign suppliers.
The business community now waits to see how the new leadership will guide the institution, especially in areas such as reserve management, inflation control and support to commercial banks. The next few months are expected to be important as the bank reviews ongoing policies and prepares its priorities for the new term.
Congratulations for the new governor continue to be shared both online and through government channels, reflecting broad interest in the direction of the country’s financial system.
Investors Track Early Moves by New Central Bank Chief
| Summary | |
|---|---|
| Location | Juba, South Sudan |
| Event | Yeni Samuel Costa takes office as Governor of the Bank of South Sudan |
| Outgoing Governor | Addis Ababa Othow, who briefed the new governor |
| Main Focus Areas | Monetary reforms, liquidity management, banking supervision, payment systems |
| Business Interest | Need for currency stability and predictable policies |
| Key Exchange Rate | 1 USD = 7,100 SSP |
| Sector Reaction | Positive messages from officials and public, cautious anticipation from businesses |