JUBA, April 2 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan on Thursday signed a five-year, 5-million-U.S.-dollar public finance reform project and committed to funding it with its own resources, marking a shift toward greater economic self-reliance and government ownership of fiscal reforms.
The project, signed between the government and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), aims to strengthen fiscal systems and improve service delivery, with authorities expected to contribute about 1 million dollars annually toward its implementation.
"This reform is a government responsibility, and we have decided to finance it ourselves to ensure we strengthen public financial management and deliver services to our people," said Benjamin Ayali Koyongwa, South Sudan's undersecretary for planning in the Ministry of Finance and Planning.
Ayali said the initiative marks a transition from donor-funded programs to a government-led and government-financed reform process, reflecting growing national ownership of economic governance.
The reform program also covers institutional strengthening and capacity building across government institutions, targeting senior officials and technical staff to enhance financial oversight and accountability.
Authorities plan to extend the reforms to sub-national levels, including states and counties, where a significant proportion of public spending is carried out.
Mohamed Abchir, UNDP resident representative in South Sudan, said the agreement demonstrates the government's commitment to advancing reforms and strengthening institutions.
"This is the first time that the government of South Sudan is providing resources to the UN system to implement its priorities," Abchir said, describing the move as a notable step in the evolving partnership between the government and international development partners. ■
