(JUBA) – The South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) has reported a sharp rise in national revenue collection following the introduction of digital systems designed to improve transparency and reduce losses. The digital programme, which began four years ago, has changed how tax and customs operations are managed, and helped limit smuggling and diversion of goods entering the country.
According to the Commissioner General of SSRA, Simon Akuei Deng, revenue collected increased from 654,756 US Dollars in 2020 to 28,372,793 US Dollars this year. At the current informal market rate of 1 US Dollar to 7,100 South Sudanese Pounds, this is a rise from about 4.65 billion SSP to roughly 201.4 billion SSP.
The rise has been linked to digital tracking systems, improved customs oversight and closer monitoring of goods transported across borders. Mr Deng said the new digital tools exposed several cases in which fuel and other goods meant for humanitarian relief were brought into the country but later diverted to the local market for profit.
One such case in May 2024 involved a firm contracted to supply fuel to the United Nations for humanitarian operations. SSRA data reportedly showed that the fuel was instead sold to local petrol stations. The United Nations acknowledged the issue and opened an internal review. However, the authority says it has not yet received the outcome of the inquiry.
Mr Deng said that some companies supplying international agencies, including the UN, International Committee of the Red Cross and the World Food Programme, are not properly registered in South Sudan. He urged these organisations to verify that their suppliers are legally registered with the Ministry of Petroleum, the SSRA, or the Business Registry Department.
The government has been increasing the use of digital administration systems across ministries and state agencies. These reforms are seen as a step towards reducing corruption, securing revenue inflows and improving public service efficiency.
Cargo tracking has been described as a major turning point in 2021. The system now provides real time information on the movement of goods entering South Sudan from ports in Kenya and Tanzania. Business groups say these controls have reduced cargo diversion.
Chairman of the South Sudan Freight Forwarders Association, Emmanuel Kachoul, said the efforts have lowered losses, but he called for full automation to allow goods to move from the Port of Mombasa to South Sudan without manual delays.
Panda Freight and Logistics, the government’s appointed sole agent for managing cargo destined for South Sudan, has strengthened monitoring systems, which has helped speed up clearance times.
South Sudan imports more than 1.5 million tonnes of goods each year through Uganda from the Port of Mombasa. The country also relies on supplies from Dar es Salaam Port and the Eldoret fuel depot in Kenya. Improved control over these routes is seen as key to protecting state revenue.
Revenue Growth Overview
| Year | Revenue (USD) | Revenue (SSP equivalent at 7,100 per USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 654,756 USD | approx. 4.65 billion SSP |
| 2025 | 28,372,793 USD | approx. 201.4 billion SSP |
The SSRA says it will continue expanding digital services and has encouraged international organisations operating in the country to comply fully with South Sudan’s registration and tax laws. The authority says this is important not only for revenue, but also for accountability in humanitarian and development operations.
