(JUBA COUNTY) – The Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, Hon. Johnny Ohisa Damian, on Monday held talks with a delegation from the African Development Bank (AfDB) on expanding cooperation in financial sector development and economic growth initiatives.
The AfDB delegation was led by Mr Cafrine Ronald Justine, Executive Director for Eastern Africa. Discussions focused on support for South Sudan’s banking sector, urban electricity distribution projects, agriculture, climate resilience and wider economic diversification programmes.
The meeting comes as South Sudan continues efforts to improve financial infrastructure and reduce reliance on oil revenues by supporting growth in agriculture, trade and other productive sectors of the economy.
Mr Ronald said the African Development Bank remained committed to working with the Bank of South Sudan on programmes aimed at supporting sustainable economic growth and strengthening the country’s financial sector.
Governor Ohisa welcomed the continued partnership with AfDB and praised the bank’s support for South Sudan’s economic development priorities.
He also referred to the recent AfDB Annual Meetings held in the Republic of Congo, where African finance ministers and central bank governors discussed economic development challenges across the continent, including access to financing, infrastructure development and regional trade integration.
Governor Ohisa thanked the African Development Bank for supporting the development of South Sudan’s National Payment System, describing it as an important step towards improving payment efficiency and strengthening confidence in the country’s banking sector.
The National Payment System is expected to improve financial transactions between banks, businesses and government institutions, while also supporting financial inclusion and digital banking services across the country.
South Sudan has been seeking greater regional and international financial cooperation as it works to stabilise the economy, improve public financial management and encourage private sector investment.
A press release from the Central Bank stated the discussions between the Bank of South Sudan and AfDB also reflected growing attention on infrastructure financing, climate resilience and agricultural investment across East Africa, sectors viewed as important for job creation and long term economic stability in South Sudan.