National Legislative Assembly - Courtesy

A report by the national parliament says the two major Mobile Network operators Zain and MTN are still paying business profit taxes to Sudan.

Presented to the parliament on Tuesday by the committee on finance and economic planning in the Transitional National Legislature, the report stated Sudan is collecting frequency fees from Zain and MTN mobile operators in the country.

This is because Sudan has licensed the companies until 2024 for Zain and 2027 for MTN.

“The house observes that frequency fees are still being collected by Sudan from Zain and MTN because their registration licenses are valid until 2024 and 2027 respectively,” said Hon. Changkouth Bichiock, the committee chairperson.

However, after thorough deliberation, the lawmakers recommended that South Sudan take over the collection of frequencies fees and business profit taxes of the duo companies.

Hon. Changkuoth Bishiok says the August house also directed that South Sudan National Revenue Authorities collect the taxes on behalf of the government.

“The house directs the NRA to collect Business Profit Tax [BPT], Excise, and Value Added Tax [VAT] from MTN, Zain, and Digital providers.”

South Sudan has three Mobile Network operators which include, the Kuwait-based mobile operator, Zain alongside the South African-owned MTN, and South Sudan-based Digitel Network which was launched last year.