JUBA, South Sudan (August 2, 2024) — The National Council of Ministers approved the draft 2024/2025 budget on Friday, emphasizing civil servant and organized force salaries while significantly cutting travel expenses. Deputy Information Minister Dr. Jacob Maiju Korok briefed reporters after the Cabinet meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir. The draft budget was presented by Finance Minister Dr. Marial Dongrin Ater.
The theme for this fiscal year’s budget is, “…to accelerate economic recovery through improving livelihood, sustaining peace, and investing in critical social services and agriculture.” Korok highlighted that the revised budget aims to address costs related to peace implementation, salaries, foreign missions, states and administrative areas, election-related expenditures, and critical investments in agriculture, mining, and social services.
“The budget estimates are 4.2 trillion SSP, with a fiscal deficit of 1.9 trillion SSP, constituting 45% of the proposed expenditure. To reduce this deficit, the government will resume Dar Blend exports, undertake exchange rate realignments, secure grants and borrowing, rationalize expenditures, cut down on capital expenditure, and reduce foreign travels,” Korok explained.
South Sudan’s annual budgets are traditionally passed before the end of June, though the country often sees delays. The 2024-2025 budget presentation was delayed due to the severe economic crisis exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan. The transitional government, formed after a 2018 peace agreement between President Salva Kiir, opposition leader Riek Machar, and other political figures, continues to navigate these challenges.
