UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Mohammed Abchir (left) and the Minister of Finance and Planning, Salvatore Garang Mabiordit (right), sign a $5 million agreement in Juba to bolster South Sudan’s Public Financial Management Reform Strategy. | Photo: Eye Radio/Darlington/April 2, 2026

The Ministry of Finance and Planning has entered into a five-year, $5 million partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to bolster the Public Financial Management Reform Strategy (PFMRS) across South Sudan.

The initiative marks a significant shift toward national fiscal responsibility, with the government committing to fund 90 percent of the project’s total cost over the next five years.

During the signing ceremony in Juba, Benjamin Ayali, the Undersecretary for Planning at the Ministry of Finance, explained that the financial commitment would be managed through annual installments to ensure sustainability.

“The government plans to cover 90 percent of the total amount,” Ayali stated. “The Ministry of Finance will handle that 90 percent, but it won’t be paid all at once. The good part is, this will be spread over five years. We only need about $1 million now to cover the first year’s expenses, followed by $1 million each subsequent year.”

Dr. Mohammed Abchir, the UNDP Resident Representative, described the agreement as a powerful signal of the government’s dedication to transparency and economic stability.

“This achievement sends a strong message from both the government and the ministry, highlighting the critical importance of public finance management for South Sudan,” Dr. Abchir said. He also extended gratitude to the various donors and partners who have supported South Sudan’s reform processes alongside the UNDP.

The Minister of Finance and Planning, Salvatore Garang Mabiordit, praised the collaboration while emphasizing the need for South Sudan to transition away from donor dependence.

“Today marks another important milestone. As a child grows, they must learn to walk their own path,” Minister Mabiordit remarked. “While continued support will still be needed, it should become less about dependence and more about guidance. We possess resources that can be utilized to achieve many goals; our population is small, and if we work together effectively, we can empower our people to undertake self-help projects within their communities.”

The five-year project is expected to create a stronger foundation for resource management, allowing the government to better meet the needs of its citizens and drive long-term economic growth.