South Sudan's telecoms regulator and central bank are in talks with mobile network operators over foreign currency shortages and cash transaction problems that are affecting daily operations and investment in network infrastructure.

The National Communication Authority (NCA) and the Bank of South Sudan met operators in Juba on 8 November, with the discussions reported this week. The talks were led on the regulator's side by its director-general, Gieth Kon Mathiang, and the central bank was represented by its governor, Dr Addis Ababa Othow.

Cash and currency pressures

Mathiang said the meeting addressed operators' concerns about cash transactions and encouraged them to comply with interim measures while the government works to reduce reliance on cash. Operators also asked for access to foreign currency so they can upgrade networks and invest in modern telecoms infrastructure across the country.

The central bank governor assured operators that the government was working to resolve the cash transaction challenges and to support a smooth move towards digital financial services. Operators welcomed the open dialogue and reaffirmed their commitment to compliance and continued collaboration.

A wider liquidity crisis

The talks come as South Sudan faces a severe liquidity crisis that has affected the commercial banking sector and left ordinary people struggling to access physical cash. That has increased reliance on mobile money, even as cash shortages and high inflation disrupt telecom operators' business models.

Operators must import network equipment, technical expertise and large quantities of fuel to power telecoms towers, adding to their costs and investment needs. Access to foreign currency is therefore important for maintaining networks, expanding coverage and improving service quality. The operators serving the South Sudanese market include Digital, MTN and Zain.