Mobile network operators MTN and Digitel plan to expand mobile money services throughout South Sudan.
South Sudan is witnessing a significant shift towards a digital economy, with the expansion of mobile money services playing a pivotal role. The Central Bank of South Sudan (BoSS) has officially recognised mobile money as legal tender, and mobile operators like MTN and Digitel have pledged to expand their services nationwide [1][4].
This move is part of the government's strategic objective to formalise the financial system, integrate civil servants into banking, reduce cash dependency, and diversify the economy beyond oil revenues [1][4]. De Chan Awuol, the Executive Vice President of Digitel Holdings, praised the central bank for its leadership in promoting a more efficient and sustainable digital payment system [1].
The expansion aims to address liquidity shortages that have been hindering easy cash access, limiting the full transition to a cashless economy [2]. However, users report difficulties accessing funds during emergencies or daily needs because mobile money agents and banks often run out of cash. This undermines public trust and delays the transition away from cash [2].
To address these obstacles, experts and policymakers have suggested supplementing mobile money with government-issued prepaid debit cards (Swapping Cards) [1]. These cards can provide secure and inclusive access to digital salaries and payments while allowing offline cash withdrawals at ATMs or agents. This bridging technology is viewed as pragmatic given South Sudan’s current financial ecosystem constraints [1].
Harrison Daka, the Senior Manager for Products and Services at MTN's MoMo, assured the Bank of South Sudan that MTN is committed to broadening its operations to more areas [1]. Similarly, Digitel's De Chan Awuol affirmed his company's readiness to promote public awareness about the benefits of digital banking [1].
To further normalise digital payments in everyday transactions, initiatives such as introducing mobile money systems at venues like Juba National Stadium have been implemented [4]. Harrison Daka also encouraged both traders and consumers to adopt mobile money for transactions as a means to help alleviate the country's cash shortage issues [1].
The expansion of mobile money services is expected to lay a solid foundation for digital transformation in South Sudan, contributing significantly to the development of the digital economy and financial inclusion [3][5]. Despite the challenges, the commitment from the mobile operators and the government's push for a more efficient and sustainable digital payment system offers a promising outlook for South Sudan's digital economy.
References: [1] The Central Bank of South Sudan (BoSS) and mobile operators commit to expanding mobile money services across South Sudan. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.boss-ss.org/news/ [2] Challenges in South Sudan's transition to a cashless economy. (2025, August 10). Retrieved from https://www.ssobserver.com/economy/ [3] South Sudan's digital economy: Opportunities and challenges. (2025, September 15). Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/southsudan/publication/south-sudans-digital-economy-opportunities-and-challenges [4] Mobile money systems introduced at Juba National Stadium. (2025, October 1). Retrieved from https://www.jubanationalstadium.com/news/ [5] South Sudan's digital economy: A step towards financial inclusion. (2025, November 15). Retrieved from https://www.un.org/southsudan/news/south-sudans-digital-economy-a-step-towards-financial-inclusion
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