(JUBA) – The Bank of South Sudan (BOSS) has officially recognised mobile money as a valid and legal form of payment across the country, reinforcing the government’s commitment to digital financial inclusion under its 2023–2027 strategic plan. The public notice, dated 18 July 2025, was issued by the bank’s Department of Communication and Public Relations.
The directive means that mobile money transactions will carry the same legal weight as traditional cash or bank transfers. The move is part of a broader national goal to increase the number of adults using mobile financial services to 30% by 2027, aiming to extend access to affordable digital financial products to more people, particularly those who are currently excluded.
In the notice, the Bank urged all businesses, service providers, and merchants to accept mobile money payments unconditionally when offered. According to the bank, refusal to accept mobile money without a valid reason violates legal tender regulations and may lead to penalties such as fines, legal proceedings or other enforcement actions.
Mobile money already falls under the legal framework established by the Electronic Money Regulation, 2017, which affirms its status as a lawful means of payment.
To ensure compliance, businesses are now legally required to clearly display signage showing that they accept mobile money and to provide their agent number. This measure is expected to reduce confusion and improve customer experience.
Consumers are also being encouraged to adopt mobile money in their daily transactions and to report any cases where merchants or service providers deny such payments. Importantly, it is now an offence for any trader or service provider to falsely claim that mobile money services are down when they are in fact operational.
Regulatory and law enforcement agencies have been tasked with monitoring the situation and taking legal action against violators. The Bank of South Sudan warned that any individual or organisation found breaching these rules without lawful justification will be prosecuted in line with the Electronic Money Regulation, 2017, and other applicable laws.
This policy marks a major step in digitising South Sudan’s economy and expanding access to financial services in remote and underserved areas. It is also expected to ease transaction burdens in an economy where traditional banking infrastructure remains limited.
Legal Standing of Mobile Money in South Sudan (As of July 2025)
| Payment Method | Legal Status | Regulatory Framework |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Money | Legal Tender | Electronic Money Regulation, 2017 |
| Cash (SSP/USD) | Legal Tender | Legal Tender Laws |
| Bank Transfers | Legal Tender | National Payment System Laws |
With the official exchange rate standing at 1 USD = 4,600 SSP (as of July 2025), the shift to digital payments could help curb transaction delays and support efficient micro-transactions in rural areas. The central bank’s announcement is widely seen as part of a broader strategy to improve financial transparency, modernise the economy, and reduce reliance on cash.
Businesses and consumers alike are being advised to familiarise themselves with the updated regulations and to ensure that mobile payment systems are properly implemented and maintained.
