![Newly inaugurated central bank currency center in Lakes State's capital Rumbek. [Photo by presidency].](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Bank.jpg?resize=810%2C540&ssl=1)
The opening comes as South Sudan continues to grapple with persistent liquidity constraints, limited access to cash outside Juba, and weak public confidence in financial institutions — challenges that have undermined the effectiveness of both digital and traditional payment systems.
The Rumbek branch was initially established in 2013, with its foundation stone laid in 2014 by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, but has only now become fully operational as a currency centre.
The facility forms part of the central bank’s broader strategy to expand its operational footprint beyond the capital and improve the distribution, storage, and security of national currency in the states, where banks frequently struggle to meet withdrawal demands.
Officials say the new centre is intended to function as a regional financial hub for Lakes State and neighbouring areas, allowing for more efficient handling of cash deposits, withdrawals, and inter-bank transfers — a critical gap in South Sudan’s largely cash-based economy.
By decentralizing currency storage and circulation, the centre is also expected to reduce the logistical risks and high costs associated with transporting large volumes of cash between Juba and regional towns, a process that has often contributed to delays in salary payments and commercial transactions.
Speaking at the launch in Rumbek, Dr. Addis Ababa Othow, Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, said the opening marks a new phase in the expansion and modernisation of the country’s financial infrastructure, particularly at the sub-national level.
“The grand opening of this Currency Centre in Rumbek is a testimony to the prosperity and stability of our great nation,” Dr. Othow said.
He said the bank plans to recruit staff locally, linking the project to job creation and community inclusion.
“I am pleased to announce that the recruitment team from the bank will recruit 100% of the unclassified staff directly from Rumbek, ensuring employment opportunities for the local community in a transparent manner,” he said.
Dr. Othow emphasised that the currency centre is expected to contribute to economic growth and stability by improving access to cash, supporting commercial banking activity, and reinforcing trust in the formal financial system at a time when many citizens keep money outside banks due to withdrawal limits and liquidity shortages.
“I call upon all commercial banks to expand their operations across Lakes State to enhance access to banking services and promote an inclusive financial system for all.”
Analysts say that while South Sudan has taken steps toward digital payments and electronic revenue collection, physical cash infrastructure remains a critical component of the country’s financial ecosystem, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas where digital services are unevenly available or poorly trusted.
For his part, Lakes State Governor Rin Tueny Mabor urged residents to take responsibility for protecting the facility, describing it as a national asset linked to peace and development.
“In a very special way, I would like to congratulate President Salva Kiir Mayardit for considering our Great Lakes State,” he said.
He said the opening of the currency centre reflects the tangible dividends of improved security and stability in the state.
He stated that with peace now established, this represents the genuine benefit of peace, and they are beginning a journey of development.
“This has been demonstrated by the Bank Governor, Dr. Addis Ababa Othow, for ensuring that this facility is operational. All these achievements under the leadership of President Salva Kiir Mayardit are a fulfillment of the promises we made during our struggle for total independence.”
Economists say the effectiveness of the new currency centre will depend on coordination with commercial banks, improved liquidity management, and public confidence, as South Sudan seeks to balance the expansion of digital public infrastructure with the realities of a cash-dependent economy facing persistent currency shortages.
