Minister of Trade Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk has urged all traders to embrace mobile money as a standard payment option.
This call aligns with commitments from mobile money operators, MTN and Digitel, to expand their services nationwide in support of the government’s digital payment system initiative.
Minister Kuol issued the directive on August 13, 2025, following discussions with officials from the Bank of South Sudan, including Director of Communication and Public Relations, Majok Nikodemo Arou, and Director of the National Payment System, Akum David Sabahker.
The following day, mobile money providers pledged their support during meetings with the Bank of South Sudan’s Department of Communication and Public Relations.
During her initial meeting, Minister Kuol emphasized that digital payment is now a government policy.
“I know there are a few traders who still don’t accept payments digitally and they also want cash,” she stated, “but we want to make one thing very clear, digital payment is now a government policy.”
She insisted that citizens must be allowed to use mobile money for transactions.
Weighing in on this initiative, mobile money operators including MTN mobile money MoMo an Digicash have pledged to extend their services to more areas across South Sudan.
De Chan Awuol, Digitel Holdings Executive Vice President, affirmed the company’s readiness to promote public awareness regarding the benefits of digital banking and commended the Bank of South Sudan for its leadership in digital payment solutions.
Harrison Daka, MoMo Senior Manager for Products and Services at MTN, assured their commitment to expanding operations, encouraging both traders and customers to utilize mobile money for transactions to help alleviate liquidity shortages.
The combined efforts of the government and mobile money providers mark a significant stride towards a more sustainable and efficient digital economy in South Sudan.
Minister Kuol had encouraged traders to collaborate with both the government and the public, noting the widespread benefits of this shift.
The expansion of mobile money services is expected to improve access to financial services and reduce the nation’s reliance on cash payments.