South Sudan cabinet approves long-delayed SSP 7 trillion 2025/26 budget

JUBA – The South Sudan Council of Ministers has approved a proposed SSP 7 trillion national budget for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, nearly six months behind regional counterparts in the East African Community.

The cabinet, chaired by President Salva Kiir, endorsed the draft spending plan during its first meeting after a prolonged hiatus. The approval comes after five months of the country operating without a formal budget, despite the fiscal year beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30.

Information Minister and Government Spokesperson Michael Makuei Lueth said the draft budget will now be submitted to the Transitional National Legislature for scrutiny, debate, and final endorsement.

“Following the deliberations, the Cabinet directed the Minister of Finance and Planning to table the budget before Parliament for further debate and final endorsement,” Makuei announced.

The proposed budget reflects a deficit of SSP 1.5 trillion. Makuei said the Minister of Finance and Planning assured the Cabinet that renewed efforts are underway to strengthen and expand revenue collection to offset the shortfall.

During the same meeting, Roads and Bridges Minister Simon Mijok Mijak presented an update on the planned construction of a major transport corridor linking South Sudan to Ethiopia and, eventually, the port of Djibouti. He said the project would provide a crucial export route for crude oil, reduce reliance on external infrastructure, and improve access to global markets.

President Kiir urged ministers to enhance institutional performance, emphasising the importance of efficiency, transparency, and accountability in public service.

In a measure aimed at curbing financial leakages, the Cabinet banned unnecessary tax and duty exemptions, noting that such waivers have cost the country billions in revenue. It further resolved that no individual may sign loan agreements on behalf of the government without adhering to legally established procedures—an effort aimed at safeguarding national financial integrity.

“The Council of Ministers resolved to prohibit any individual from signing loans on behalf of the government without following the proper legal procedures,” Makuei stressed.

The draft budget is expected to be tabled before Parliament in the coming days, marking a critical step toward restoring fiscal discipline after months without an approved national spending plan.