(JUBA) – The South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA), in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), will officially launch a $14.31 million (approximately 65.8 billion South Sudanese Pounds) project on 22 July 2025 aimed at enhancing non oil revenue collection and accountability through the establishment of a new training institution.
The initiative, known as the Non Oil Revenue Mobilization and Accountability Phase II (NORMA-II), will be formally inaugurated at the newly built South Sudan Institute for Revenue Administration (SSIRA) in Boaba, located along the Yei-Juba Highway.
Speaking to the media in Juba on Thursday, SSRA Commissioner General Simon Akuei described the launch of SSIRA as a major step towards strengthening South Sudan’s ability to manage its public revenue systems independently and transparently. He said the institute will not only function as a training hub but also play a central role in advancing the country’s move away from oil dependency.
“This institution represents more than just a training centre. It is a beacon of hope for self reliance, transparency and a flourishing South Sudan,” Akuei said.
He emphasised that the institution will focus on building local capacity in tax and customs administration and contribute to long term national development.
According to Akuei, the SSIRA will provide a variety of learning opportunities, including both short- and long-term training programmes. These will be open to SSRA personnel as well as stakeholders from other financial institutions and the general public.
The institute’s curriculum will include accredited courses in tax and customs operations, technical training on emerging trends, leadership development, and soft skills enhancement. Specific graduate trainee programmes for customs officials and financial sector staff will also be offered, along with modules targeting state revenue authorities, clearing agents, and business associations.
Below is an overview of SSIRA’s planned training areas:
| Training Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Technical Courses | Tax and customs operations, policy, and procedures |
| Emerging Trends | Modern practices and digital transformation in tax/customs |
| Soft Skills | Communication, teamwork, ethics for all staff |
| Support Training | Human resources, procurement, IT for administrative departments |
| Leadership Development | Courses for managerial and senior officials |
| Graduate Trainee Programme | Entry-level tax and customs training for graduates |
| Stakeholder Training | Courses for business groups, agents and other state authorities |
Akuei explained that the institute supports the SSRA’s 2022–2027 Strategic Plan, which focuses on diversifying national revenue streams and improving compliance and service delivery across sectors.
The need for such an institute has become increasingly urgent. In June, Dr John Deng, Executive Secretary of the Northern Corridor Authority, warned that South Sudan risks losing out in regional trade due to limited knowledge and capacity in international trade practices. The establishment of SSIRA is intended to address such skill gaps and improve the country’s participation in global and regional trade.
SSIRA is supported not only by the AfDB but also by other international partners including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Their support points to growing international confidence in South Sudan’s efforts to modernise its revenue systems and reduce dependence on oil, which currently dominates the country’s income.
The NORMA-II project also represents a continuation of previous joint efforts between SSRA and development partners to expand institutional knowledge and tax education, particularly in a country where formal tax training opportunities remain scarce.
The launch of the institute is expected to be a milestone for South Sudan’s economic reforms and an important step towards building a more resilient and diversified public revenue base.