This renewed pledge was made during a high-level meeting in Juba on Wednesday between senior IMF officials and the Ministry of Finance and Planning.

By Binia Elizabeth

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reaffirmed its commitment to helping South Sudan enhance its revenue mobilization capacity and accelerate long-term economic reforms, with a renewed focus on strengthening non-oil revenue systems and public financial management (PFM).

This renewed pledge was made during a high-level meeting in Juba on Wednesday between senior IMF officials and the Ministry of Finance and Planning. The discussions were led by Mr. Benjamin Ayali Koyongwa, Undersecretary for Planning at the ministry, and Dr. Li Liu, a senior economist from the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department.

In a joint post-meeting statement, Undersecretary Koyongwa said the dialogue concentrated on advancing ongoing PFM reforms, specifically targeting improvements in the country’s non-oil revenue collection—a crucial step toward weaning the economy off its heavy dependence on oil.

“The meeting significantly focused on Public Financial Management reforms, specifically in non-oil revenue mobilization, which is crucial for boosting the country’s struggling economy,” Koyongwa said. “We welcome the IMF’s continued technical and advisory support as we work to build a stronger, more self-sufficient fiscal system.”

Dr. Li Liu echoed this commitment, stressing that strengthening domestic resource mobilization is critical not only for South Sudan’s short-term economic recovery but also for its long-term development goals.

“Our engagement with the government of South Sudan reflects our strong commitment to helping the country strengthen its fiscal institutions and achieve economic stability,” said Liu.
“By broadening the tax base and improving public financial management, the government can reduce reliance on oil revenues and better respond to the needs of its people.”

The meeting comes at a critical juncture for South Sudan’s economy, which continues to face mounting challenges, including high inflation, currency devaluation, limited non-oil revenue streams, and the lingering impact of years of conflict. With oil revenues still accounting for over 90% of government income, diversifying revenue sources is increasingly viewed as a national imperative.

Experts say the IMF’s involvement is a crucial catalyst for reform, providing both technical expertise and international credibility as South Sudan seeks to stabilize its economy and restore investor confidence. Since joining the IMF in 2012, South Sudan has received targeted support in areas such as budgeting, fiscal transparency, and institutional reform.

A Path Toward Economic Resilience

The IMF’s renewed commitment aligns with broader international efforts to assist South Sudan in building a sustainable and inclusive economy. With global development partners urging fiscal discipline and governance reforms, the emphasis on non-oil revenue is seen as a cornerstone of future economic independence.

For a country still recovering from conflict and undergoing a delicate political transition, the latest pledge of support from the IMF offers a timely boost, one that could help lay the foundation for more resilient public finances, improved service delivery, and long-term growth.

As fiscal reforms take root and cooperation deepens, South Sudan has an opportunity to chart a new economic path—one less dependent on oil and more responsive to the everyday needs of its citizens.