(JUBA) – The South Sudanese foreign exchange market recorded minor adjustments in official rates this week, with the Central Bank of South Sudan maintaining stability in most major currencies. However, parallel market rates continue to trade significantly higher, reflecting ongoing pressure on the local currency.
According to the Bank of South Sudan’s official weekly forex bulletin, the United States dollar (USD) remained anchored at 4,638.53 SSP for selling and 4,501.43 SSP for buying. Other major currencies showed modest movement against the South Sudanese pound (SSP), with the euro (EUR) at 5,436.36 SSP selling and 5,275.23 SSP buying, and the British pound (GBP) at 6,280.11 SSP selling and 6,093.59 SSP buying.
In regional currency movements, the Kenyan shilling (KSH) was trading at 35.96 SSP selling and 34.79 SSP buying, while the Ugandan shilling (UGX) recorded 1.34 SSP selling and 1.27 SSP buying. Other neighbouring currencies including the Sudanese pound (SDG), Ethiopian birr (ETB), Rwandan franc (RWF), Tanzanian shilling (TZS), and Burundian franc (BIF) also showed minor shifts consistent with ongoing market pressures.
Analysts note that despite official stability, the parallel market continues to reflect strong demand for foreign currency, with rates for the US dollar reportedly as much as SSP 2,500 higher than official levels. During the September foreign currency auction, the central bank sold dollars at rates up to SSP 1,100 higher than official rates, indicating a continued divergence between official and real market conditions.
For businesses, importers, and households, these parallel rates are an important benchmark for planning and budgeting. Financial institutions report that USD parallel market selling rates reached approximately 7,138.53 SSP, while the buying rate was around 7,001.43 SSP. Other major currencies were adjusted proportionally to reflect parallel market conditions:
| Currency | Official Selling | Official Buying | Approx. Parallel Selling ▲ | Approx. Parallel Buying ▲ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD | 4,638.53 | 4,501.43 | 7,138.53 | 7,001.43 |
| EUR | 5,436.36 | 5,275.23 | 8,374 | 8,200 |
| GBP | 6,280.11 | 6,093.59 | 9,671 | 9,473 |
| KSH | 35.96 | 34.79 | 55.38 | 54.13 |
| UGX | 1.34 | 1.27 | 2.07 | 1.98 |
| SDG | 7.76 | 7.44 | 11.94 | 11.57 |
| ETB | 32.30 | 31.34 | 49.74 | 48.70 |
| RWF | 3.24 | 3.09 | 4.99 | 4.81 |
| TZS | 1.89 | 1.83 | 2.90 | 2.84 |
| BIF | 1.58 | 1.51 | 2.44 | 2.35 |
Market analysis indicates that South Sudan’s forex market remains highly sensitive to seasonal demand, government revenue flows, and foreign remittances. Parallel market rates, while unofficial, continue to influence pricing for goods and services across the country.
For exporters, importers, and ordinary consumers, awareness of both official and parallel rates is essential to manage financial planning and mitigate currency risk. Analysts recommend monitoring trends closely as South Sudan approaches critical economic periods, including budgetary allocations and international trade cycles.
Disclaimer
Parallel market rates are much higher by as much as SSP 2,500 to the dollar. Even the central bank rate auction of foreign currency in September was at rates higher than official rates by as much as SSP 1,100 to the dollar. The above provides approximate forex rates on the parallel market. This information is not to be used as financial advice. Jakony.com® is not a financial adviser.
