Finance Ministry officials and the IMF team pose for a group photo after talks on draft VAT legislation and tax reforms in Juba. Photo: Ministry of Finance.

The Government and the International Monetary Fund have discussed draft legislation on Value Added Tax, commonly known as VAT, and ways to improve sales tax performance in South Sudan.

The discussion took place on Wednesday during a meeting between Finance and Planning Minister Kuol Daniel Ayulo and IMF officials led by Resident Representative Aresen Kaho.

The meeting was attended by First Undersecretary for Finance Malual Tap Dieu and focused on strengthening economic diversification, reducing dependence on oil revenue, and improving tax laws to boost revenue collection and support businesses.

Officials said the IMF reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with the Ministry of Finance and the South Sudan Revenue Authority in drafting VAT and other tax-related legislation.

The proposed reforms aim to align South Sudan’s tax system with regional standards and improve the country’s economic performance.