(JUBA) – The South Sudan Cabinet has approved the country’s 7 trillion South Sudanese Pounds (approximately 985 million USD) national budget for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. The decision was taken in the Cabinet’s first meeting in more than eight months, chaired by President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
Following approval, the Cabinet instructed the Minister of Finance and Planning to present the budget to Parliament for debate and final endorsement.
The Minister of Information, Michael Makuei Lueth, said the proposed spending plan includes a deficit of 1.5 trillion SSP, around 211 million USD. He added that the Minister of Finance has assured the Cabinet of a commitment to increasing revenue collection to reduce the gap.
Makuei also reported that the Minister of Roads and Bridges, Simon Mijok Mijak, briefed the Cabinet on a proposed road connecting South Sudan to Ethiopia and continuing to the port of Djibouti. This corridor is expected to play a vital role in transporting the country’s crude oil to international markets.
In another resolution, the Cabinet prohibited any individual from signing loans on behalf of the government without following the proper legal procedures. Officials said this measure is intended to safeguard the country’s financial integrity.
South Sudan 2025/26 Budget and Ethiopia Road Link
| Focus | Details |
|---|---|
| Budget Approved | 7 trillion SSP (~985 million USD) |
| Deficit | 1.5 trillion SSP (~211 million USD) |
| Approval Body | Cabinet, chaired by President Salva Kiir Mayardit |
| Next Step | Budget to be presented to Parliament for debate and approval |
| Key Infrastructure | Proposed road linking South Sudan to Ethiopia and Djibouti port |
| Purpose of Road | Transport crude oil to international markets |
| Revenue Measures | Finance Ministry committed to increasing revenue collection |
| Fiscal Safeguards | Ban on signing loans without following legal procedures |
| Government Focus | Boost revenue, improve transport links, strengthen fiscal accountability |