Government Targets Illegal Tax Exemptions as High-Level Economic Reform Committee Begins Work
By Patricia John
South Sudan’s newly established Ministerial High-Level Committee on Economic Reforms has identified the review and cancellation of non-statutory tax exemptions as one of its top priorities, signaling the government’s determination to strengthen public finances and improve domestic revenue collection.
The nine-member committee, established by President Salva Kiir Mayardit and endorsed by the Council of Ministers, held its inaugural meeting on Thursday at the Ministry of Finance and Planning in Juba.
During the meeting, members formally adopted the name Ministerial High-Level Committee on Economic Reforms, and outlined an ambitious reform agenda aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, strengthening public financial management, improving cash circulation, ensuring the regular payment of public sector salaries, and increasing government revenue.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, the Committee’s Rapporteur and Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services, Hon. Ateny Wek Ateny, said the committee had deliberated on several key economic reform measures.
Among the major decisions was the review and cancellation of non-statutory tax and duty exemptions granted to individuals, companies, and other entities without a clear legal basis. The move is expected to eliminate revenue leakages, improve transparency, and ensure that exemptions are granted only in accordance with the law.
“The committee is committed to implementing reforms that will strengthen revenue collection and promote accountability in public finance management,” Minister Ateny said.
He also welcomed the Ministry of Finance and Planning’s recent release of one month’s salaries for civil servants, organized forces, state governments, and South Sudan’s diplomatic missions abroad. Salaries will be paid in cash as part of efforts to ease the liquidity shortage currently affecting the banking sector.
According to Minister Ateny, the committee will continue exploring practical measures to expand government revenue, guarantee timely salary payments, and mobilize adequate resources to finance national development priorities.
The committee, chaired by the Minister of East African Community Affairs, Hon. Gen. Pieng Deng Kuol, is expected to meet every week to assess progress on the reform agenda and submit regular reports to the Council of Ministers.
The launch of the committee marks a significant step in the government’s broader strategy to stabilize the economy through stronger fiscal discipline, improved revenue mobilization, and reforms designed to enhance transparency and accountability in public financial management.
