Introduction to South Sudan’s Revenue Collection
The Commissioner General of South Sudan National Revenue Authority (SSRA), Simon Akuei Deng, has set an ambitious target for revenue collection. By the middle of this year, he aims to collect 200 billion South Sudan pounds. This goal is part of the SSRA’s efforts to increase non-oil revenue and reduce the country’s dependence on oil exports.
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The SSRA has been tasked by the Ministry of Finance and Planning to raise 90 billion South Sudan pounds monthly. However, the agency has been surpassing this target, collecting an average of 100 million pounds routinely over the past three months. In March 2025, the SSRA collected 132.6 billion pounds, exceeding the target of 92 billion pounds. The Nimule border post alone generated 36 billion pounds in March, surpassing collections of around 30 billion pounds.
Focus on Reaching the 200 Billion Mark
The SSRA’s current focus is to reach the 200 billion pound mark before the new financial year, 2025-2026, begins. According to Commissioner General Akuei, this target is a test of South Sudan taxpayers’ abilities to run the country with non-oil revenue collections. Reaching this target will be a milestone achievement for the finance institutions. Akuei emphasized the importance of collective effort, stating that "before the next budget and that means to say by June, together as the private sector, government, and the non-tax institutions, we should focus on how we can reach the 200 billion mark by June 30."
The Importance of Tax Compliance
Commissioner General Akuei stressed that revenue collection is the responsibility of every citizen working in South Sudan to pay their taxes to the government. He appealed to relevant institutions collecting taxes to remit their collections to the government coffers. Akuei emphasized that tax compliance is crucial, stating that "tax is a voluntary responsibility from every citizen, from every company, from every government institution that is supposed to collect taxes."
Non-Complying Institutions
In February, the Economic Cluster exposed non-complying and partially-complying revenue collecting agencies and directed them to fully remit the dues into the bank account of the Ministry of Finance and Planning. The non-complying agencies included the ministries of Wildlife, Tourism and Conservation, Electricity, Environment and Forestry, and others. Partially complying institutions included the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, National Communication Authority, and the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the South Sudan National Revenue Authority has set an ambitious target of collecting 200 billion South Sudan pounds by the middle of this year. The SSRA has been surpassing its monthly targets, and Commissioner General Akuei is optimistic that the 200 billion mark can be reached with collective effort. The importance of tax compliance cannot be overstated, and all citizens and institutions must work together to achieve this goal. By doing so, South Sudan can reduce its dependence on oil exports and build a more sustainable economy.
