Central Equatoria Economic Cluster Reviews Amendments to 2026/27 State Budget

The Central Equatoria State Ministerial Economic Cluster has reviewed amendments and proposed inclusions to the state budget for the 2026/27 fiscal year following directives from the State Council of Ministers.

The cluster, chaired by State Minister of Finance, Planning and Investment Aya Jenet Alex, met Wednesday to deliberate on the draft state budget, draft Financial Bill and draft Appropriation Bill for the 2026/27 fiscal year.

Following the incorporation of the amendments, the cluster is expected to resubmit the budget to the State Council of Ministers for final approval. The budget will then be submitted to the Revitalized State Transitional Legislative Assembly for scrutiny and final approval.

The cluster also considered a memo from the State Ministry of Finance, Planning and Investment on electronic taxation, including the status of the memorandum of understanding and contract with MAC Company.

Members reviewed the matter in light of legal guidance from the State Legal Administration and Public Prosecution. The cluster resolved to submit the legal opinion to the state leadership for final directives, review and implementation.

The meeting also considered a proposal from State Minister of Cooperatives and Rural Development Emmanuel Khamis Richard to establish a state rural development bank.

The proposed bank would support indigenous entrepreneurs, cooperatives, savings and credit organizations, farmers’ groups and other economic enterprises across Central Equatoria State, in line with the state’s third development pillar.

The cluster approved the proposal with amendments and resolved to forward it to the State Council of Ministers for further consideration and approval.