President Kiir Chairs High-Level Economic Meeting to Chart Path Toward Recovery and Reforms
Juba, October 1, 2025
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has chaired a crucial high-level consultative meeting with the country’s top economic leadership to deliberate on urgent reforms and chart a path toward recovery amid South Sudan’s deepening economic challenges.
The meeting, held in Juba on Tuesday, brought together Vice President and Chairperson of the Economic Cluster Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, Minister of Finance Athian Ding Athian, and Governor of the Bank of South Sudan Dr. Addis Ababa Othow, alongside other senior government and institutional leaders.
The discussions focused on the prevailing state of South Sudan’s economy, which continues to face pressures from currency instability, inflation, declining oil revenues, and external debt burdens.
Leaders emphasized the need for immediate and coordinated reforms to revive, stabilize, and strengthen the economy.
Key Focus: IMF and World Bank Engagements
A major highlight of the meeting was South Sudan’s preparations for the forthcoming International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Annual Meetings, where the government is expected to push for financial support, debt restructuring, and technical assistance.
Officials confirmed that South Sudan’s delegation will present a unified reform strategy, outlining fiscal and monetary policies aimed at:
Stabilizing the exchange rate and reducing currency volatility.
Strengthening public financial management to curb corruption and leakages.
Diversifying revenue sources beyond oil, particularly in agriculture, trade, and services.
Boosting investor confidence through regulatory reforms and transparency.
The leadership also discussed how best to demonstrate South Sudan’s commitment to reforms, signaling to international partners that the country is determined to move beyond crisis management toward long-term economic transformation.
President Kiir’s Call for Unity and Resilience
In his opening remarks, President Kiir emphasized that the government must work in a coordinated and disciplined manner to restore stability and rebuild the economy.
He urged the economic team to put the interests of ordinary South Sudanese at the center of reforms.
“The resilience of our nation depends on strong and sound economic policies. We must show unity of purpose and determination as we present our case to international partners. Our people expect us to deliver solutions that can bring relief and lasting growth,” President Kiir reportedly told the gathering.
Kiir also underscored the importance of restoring investor confidence, noting that both domestic and foreign investors have been reluctant due to economic uncertainties. “No investor will put their resources in a place where policies are inconsistent and risks are high. That must change,” he added.
The Role of Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel and the Economic Cluster
As Vice President and Chairperson of the Economic Cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel played a central role in the consultations.
Dr. Bol Mel, who has recently been active in pushing for economic and peacebuilding initiatives, stressed that the government needs to strike a balance between short-term stabilization and long-term reforms.
“The people of South Sudan deserve an economy that works for them. We must not only stabilize but also reform, diversify, and modernize our economic systems.
This requires discipline, transparency, and bold leadership,” Dr. Bol Mel noted.
Observers say his inclusion at the meeting highlights the government’s recognition of the critical link between economic stability, peace, and development.
Finance Minister’s Reform Agenda
Minister of Finance Athian Ding Athian outlined the ministry’s ongoing reform agenda, including stricter measures to ensure that oil revenues are efficiently managed, non-oil revenues are expanded, and public spending is directed toward development priorities such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
Athian acknowledged the challenges of high inflation and soaring commodity prices but expressed confidence that with strong fiscal discipline and international support, South Sudan could turn the corner.
Central Bank’s Focus on Currency Stability
Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, Dr. Addis Ababa Othow, presented the monetary authority’s plans to stabilize the currency, reduce inflationary pressures, and regulate financial institutions more effectively.
Dr. Othow stressed the need for strengthening foreign reserves, improving monetary policy tools, and combating illegal currency speculation that has worsened exchange rate volatility.
He further noted that a healthy and stable banking sector is essential to building trust in the economy.
Background: South Sudan’s Fragile Economy
South Sudan’s economy has been under pressure for years due to a combination of conflict, corruption, dependency on oil revenues, and weak institutions.
The depreciation of the South Sudanese Pound (SSP) against the U.S. dollar has eroded purchasing power, leaving many families struggling to afford basic goods.
According to recent economic assessments, over 70% of the national budget is still dependent on oil exports, leaving the country highly vulnerable to global oil price fluctuations.
At the same time, the non-oil economy remains underdeveloped, despite vast potential in agriculture, livestock, and trade.
Public debt has also increased, and delays in reforms have at times limited South Sudan’s ability to access international financing.
The upcoming engagements with the IMF and World Bank are therefore seen as critical opportunities to secure both financial support and technical guidance.
Commitment to Reforms and Transparency
The meeting concluded with a joint commitment by South Sudan’s economic leadership to ensure greater accountability, transparency, and coordination in implementing reforms. Leaders pledged to:
1. Strengthen fiscal discipline to prevent leakages and mismanagement.
2. Build resilience against external shocks such as oil price fluctuations and climate change.
3. Work closely with development partners to secure financial and technical support.
4. Prioritize social protection programs to cushion vulnerable citizens from the harsh effects of inflation and economic transition.
Analysts and Public Reactions
Economic analysts welcomed the government’s initiative to hold such a high-level meeting, describing it as a positive signal ahead of the IMF and World Bank meetings.
However, some remain cautious, pointing out that South Sudan has made similar promises in the past without translating them into concrete action.
Civil society groups are calling for clear timelines, public accountability, and citizen participation in monitoring reforms.
For ordinary citizens, the pressing concern remains the high cost of living, with food and fuel prices continuing to rise.
Many say they hope the government’s renewed efforts will soon bring tangible relief.
The Road Ahead
As South Sudan prepares for critical engagements with international financial institutions, the leadership is projecting unity and seriousness in tackling economic challenges.
The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether the government’s reform agenda gains momentum and secures the confidence of both international partners and the South Sudanese people.
For now, President Kiir’s chairing of the economic consultative meeting signals that the government is keen to take decisive steps toward recovery, stability, and sustainable growth – a path that many believe could reshape the future of South Sudan’s economy.
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