South Sudan economic conference ends with calls for reforms to stabilize economy

JUBA, SEPTEMBER 9, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – South Sudan’s first economic conference ended on Saturday afternoon with calls for a number of reforms to stabilize the world’s youngest country’s fragile economy.

The conference, which was held in Juba from 4^th to 9^th of September 2023 was attended by representatives from the government, private sector, civil society, as well as the country’s development partners.

The participants discussed the challenges facing the economy, including low oil production and revenue, high inflation, insecurity, corruption, and poor governance.

In the communique issued at the end of the conference, the participants called for increased investment in agriculture and other productive sectors, improved public financial management, increased transparency and accountability, strengthened security and improved governance.

The conference also called for the full implementation of the revitalized peace agreement, which is seen as essential for creating a stable environment for economic growth.

The conference also recommended that the government should increase investment in agriculture, which is the largest, but neglected sector of the economy and provides employment for the majority of the population.

It said that the government should improve public financial management, including by strengthening the treasury single account and implementing fiscal rules. This would help to ensure that public funds are used efficiently and effectively.