(JUBA) – The Bank of South Sudan (BoSS) has released its official daily exchange rate bulletin for Thursday, 28 August 2025, setting the South Sudanese Pound (SSP) against major global and regional currencies. The update comes as the country continues to face inflationary pressures and foreign exchange market volatility.
Key Official Exchange Rates (SSP)
| Currency | Selling (SSP) | Buying (SSP) | Equivalent in USD* |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD | 4,616.59 | 4,480.13 | $1.00 |
| Euro | 5,352.00 | 5,192.92 | $1.16 |
| GBP | 6,204.68 | 6,020.40 | $1.34 |
| KES | 35.82 | 34.60 | $0.008 |
| UGX | 1.30 | 1.26 | $0.00028 |
| SDG | 7.71 | 7.44 | $0.0017 |
| ETB | 32.32 | 31.37 | $0.007 |
| RWF | 3.20 | 3.08 | $0.0007 |
| TZS | 1.87 | 1.76 | $0.0004 |
| BIF | 1.58 | 1.51 | $0.00034 |
*Conversion based on official USD/SSP exchange rate of 4,616.59
Market Analysis
The official rate places the South Sudan Pound at SSP 4,616.59 per US dollar, broadly unchanged from the previous week, suggesting that the central bank is maintaining a tight hold on official market values.
The Euro strengthened to SSP 5,352, reflecting global euro resilience in recent days, while the British Pound crossed the SSP 6,200 mark, marking one of the highest official valuations this month.
Regional currencies such as the Kenyan Shilling and Ugandan Shilling continue to trade at much lower SSP equivalents, with KES at 35.82 SSP and UGX at 1.30 SSP, underscoring disparities in trade balances between South Sudan and its East African neighbours.
Parallel Market Dynamics
Despite official figures, market participants note that the parallel (black market) rates remain significantly higher, with the US dollar trading in Juba and other towns at around SSP 5,800 – 6,100 per dollar, depending on demand.
This represents a difference of SSP 1,200 – 1,500 per dollar compared with official rates, highlighting the gap between regulated and informal market activity. Businesses continue to face difficulties accessing foreign currency through banking channels, pushing many towards the parallel market.
Economic Context
South Sudan’s reliance on imports, coupled with fluctuating global oil prices, continues to weigh heavily on the SSP. The Bank of South Sudan has maintained periodic forex auctions in an effort to stabilise the currency, though traders argue that actual auction rates are often up to SSP 1,000 above the official rate.
Economists note that without greater stability in oil revenues and diversified export earnings, the SSP will remain vulnerable to external shocks and liquidity shortages in the foreign exchange market.
Disclaimer
Parallel market rates are usually higher by as much as SSP 1,500 to the dollar. Even the central bank itself auctions foreign currency at levels sometimes SSP 1,000 higher than the official bulletin.
These figures are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Jakony.com® is not a licensed financial adviser.
Parallel Market Rates (Unregulated)
Market sources in Juba indicate that the parallel exchange rate remains much higher than the official bulletin. On 28 August 2025, traders in the informal market were quoting the following approximate rates:
| Currency | Parallel Rate (SSP) | Difference vs Official |
|---|---|---|
| USD | 5,800 – 6,100 | +1,200 to +1,500 |
| Euro | 6,650 – 6,950 | +1,300 to +1,600 |
| GBP | 7,750 – 8,050 | +1,500 to +1,800 |
| KES | 42 – 45 | +6 to +10 |
| UGX | 1.55 – 1.65 | +0.25 to +0.35 |
| SDG | 9.10 – 9.50 | +1.40 to +1.80 |
| ETB | 38 – 40 | +6 to +8 |
| RWF | 3.75 – 3.90 | +0.55 to +0.70 |
| TZS | 2.20 – 2.30 | +0.40 to +0.50 |
| BIF | 1.85 – 1.95 | +0.25 to +0.35 |
Market Insight
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The dollar remains the benchmark currency and continues to dominate transactions, particularly in import and oil linked trade.
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The spread between official and parallel rates shows no sign of narrowing, underlining persistent scarcity of foreign currency in the formal banking system.
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Businesses reliant on imports face higher costs as most suppliers demand settlement at parallel market values rather than the official rate.
Disclaimer
These parallel rates are based on trader estimates in Juba and may vary across different states. They are not recognised by the Bank of South Sudan.
