By Alan Clement
South Sudan’s leading mobile money operators have pledged to expand their services nationwide in support of the government’s plan to encourage digital payment.
The commitment was made during a series of strategic meetings between the Bank of South Sudan’s Department of Communication and Public Relations and telecom representatives from MTN and Digitel; two of South Sudan’s leading mobile money operators.
The meetings centered on accelerating the adoption of digital payment systems and enhancing financial inclusion nationwide in an effort to facilitate the country’s transition to a cash-light economy.
According to a statement from the central bank, the Executive Vice President of Digitel Holdings, De Chan Awuol highlighted the company’s readiness to drive public awareness on the benefits of digital banking. He also commended the central bank for “leading the way in creating digital payment solutions,” the statement emphasized.
Similarly, MTN South Sudan’s confirmed through its representative, Harrison Daka, MTN MoMo’s Senior Manager for Products and Services the company’s commitment to expanding its operations to more areas encouraging both traders and customers to use mobile money for purchasing goods and services in an effort to reduce liquidity shortages in the country.
The expansion of mobile money services is expected to play a critical role in reducing reliance on cash payments, improving access to financial services, and fostering a more efficient digital economy. The Bank of South Sudan has been actively promoting digital financial solutions as part of its broader economic reform agenda.