(JUBA) – The Bank of South Sudan (BoSS) has released its official exchange rate updates for the week of 18th to 22nd August 2025, showing marginal movements in the South Sudanese Pound (SSP) against major international currencies.
The data highlights a relatively stable performance of the local currency in the official market, despite sustained downward pressure in the wider economy. The dollar, euro, and pound sterling all saw slight fluctuations, while regional currencies including the Kenyan shilling (KSH), Ugandan shilling (UGX), Sudanese pound (SDG), and Ethiopian birr (ETB) experienced minimal changes.
Key Official Exchange Rates
| Currency | 18th Aug 2025 (Selling) | 18th Aug 2025 (Buying) | 22nd Aug 2025 (Selling) | 22nd Aug 2025 (Buying) | Change (Selling) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD | 4612.90 SSP ($1 ≈ SSP 4613) | 4476.56 SSP | 4602.24 SSP ($1 ≈ SSP 4602) | 4466.21 SSP | ▼ -10.66 |
| EURO | 5387.87 SSP | 5227.73 SSP | 5364.37 SSP | 5204.92 SSP | ▼ -23.50 |
| GBP | 6262.33 SSP | 6066.64 SSP | 6198.29 SSP | 6014.20 SSP | ▼ -64.04 |
| KSH | 35.76 SSP | 34.59 SSP | 35.68 SSP | 34.51 SSP | ▼ -0.08 |
| UGX | 1.30 SSP | 1.26 SSP | 1.29 SSP | 1.25 SSP | ▼ -0.01 |
| SDG | 7.70 SSP | 7.44 SSP | 7.70 SSP | 7.42 SSP | ≈ 0.00 |
| ETB | 32.69 SSP | 31.72 SSP | 32.56 SSP | 31.59 SSP | ▼ -0.13 |
| RWF | 3.20 SSP | 3.07 SSP | 3.19 SSP | 3.07 SSP | ▼ -0.01 |
| TZS | 1.81 SSP | 1.69 SSP | 1.89 SSP | 1.79 SSP | ▲ +0.08 |
| BIF | 1.58 SSP | 1.51 SSP | 1.57 SSP | 1.50 SSP | ▼ -0.01 |
Market Interpretation
The official rate for the US dollar moved only slightly during the week, falling from SSP 4,612.90 on 18th August to SSP 4,602.24 by 22nd August. This represents a marginal strengthening of the South Sudanese Pound, though the difference is minor in the broader macroeconomic context.
The euro and the British pound also recorded slight declines in selling rates, with the euro dropping by SSP 23.50 and the pound sterling down by SSP 64.04 within the week. Meanwhile, the Tanzanian shilling (TZS) was one of the few regional currencies that gained against the SSP, moving from SSP 1.81 to SSP 1.89.
While these shifts appear modest, the underlying demand for foreign currency remains high. Importers, businesses, and households continue to rely on the parallel market, where the exchange rate is significantly higher.
Parallel Market Comparison
Despite the official figures, the parallel market, widely used by traders and households, trades the dollar at approximately SSP 5,900–6,100 per USD, nearly SSP 1,500 above the central bank’s official rate.
This reflects the persistent gap between official exchange windows and real world market conditions, a challenge that continues to shape South Sudan’s economic landscape.
Outlook
The Bank of South Sudan’s gradual updates are part of ongoing efforts to stabilise the SSP and narrow the gap with the parallel market. However, with inflationary pressures and limited foreign reserves, the official rate remains largely symbolic for ordinary citizens.
The small weekly adjustments signal attempts by the central bank to maintain credibility and reflect broader international trends, but the real test remains in aligning official figures with prevailing market realities.
Disclaimer
Parallel market rates are usually higher by as much as SSP 1,500 to the dollar. Even the central bank auctions foreign currency at rates higher than official rates by as much as SSP 1,000 to the dollar. Approximate parallel market rates are provided for context only. This report is for informational purposes and not intended as financial advice. Jakony.com® is not a financial advisory service.
