(JUBA) – The South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) has reported collecting 112 billion South Sudanese Pounds (SSP), approximately 24.3 million US Dollars, in non oil revenue during the first 15 days of July 2025. The figure surpasses the authority’s bi-weekly target of 100 billion SSP ($21.7 million), marking a significant achievement in the country’s efforts to boost domestic income.
Commissioner General Simon Akuei credited the increase to internal reforms, staff motivation, and renewed dedication to improving tax administration. Addressing journalists on Tuesday morning, he noted that revenue numbers have consistently improved since the start of the year.
“If staff are motivated, if staff have the zeal to help their country, they can collect what is required,” Akuei said. “The target we set was 100 billion SSP every 15 days. This month, we collected 112 billion in the first half of July, exceeding our goal.”
Despite celebrating the improved performance, Akuei stressed that the recent success is just one step in a broader plan to increase sustainable revenue through institutional development and legal reform. He announced plans to launch a new Revenue Training Institute to equip SSRA staff, other public officials, and the general public with better tax administration knowledge and skills.
“This is not the only target we wanted,” Akuei said. “We want to increase our collections, and that increase means launching this institute here to train staff, members of the Revenue Authority and even the public.”
The Commissioner General also revealed that the SSRA is preparing to introduce a Tax Procedure Act. The proposed legislation aims to clearly define the roles of national, state, and local governments in tax collection. It also intends to address the persistent issue of double taxation, which has been a long standing concern for business owners operating across multiple jurisdictions in South Sudan.
“The bill will help prevent businesses from being taxed multiple times and reduce conflicts between different tax collecting bodies,” Akuei said.
Currently, the SSRA is mandated to collect taxes from registered international companies, local corporations and organisations licensed by the South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission. According to Akuei, under the new legislative proposal, smaller informal businesses and local vendors would fall under the responsibility of state and local government revenue departments.
He concluded by urging cooperation among stakeholders: “We need the support of the government, the public, and the media to increase our domestic revenue and reduce our dependence on external funding.”
South Sudan’s economy has long depended heavily on oil revenues, but recent economic challenges have increased pressure on the government to diversify income sources. The July revenue figures offer a rare glimpse of progress in that direction, as efforts to strengthen domestic tax systems begin to show measurable results.
July 2025 Revenue Performance
| Period | Target Revenue (SSP) | Actual Revenue (SSP) | Actual Revenue (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–15 July 2025 | 100 billion | 112 billion | $24.3 million |
| Surplus Above Target | – | 12 billion | $2.6 million |
