(BANGKOK, THAILAND) – South Sudan has briefed the International Monetary Fund on its economic reforms, the impact of climate shocks on growth and preparations for elections in December, according to a statement from the Bank of South Sudan.
The talks took place on 13th October on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.
A South Sudan delegation led by Caretaker Minister of Finance and Planning Hon. Athian Diing Athian, accompanied by Bank of South Sudan Governor Hon. Dr. Addis Ababa Othow, met with Mr Zeine Zeidane, Director of the African Department at the IMF.
During the meeting, Minister Athian briefed IMF officials on the government’s economic reforms, the impact of climate shocks on economic growth, and the political situation, particularly preparations for the December elections.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with international financial institutions to support the country’s development priorities.
“We are committed to continuing our engagement with the IMF and World Bank to ensure that we achieve our goals and align our programmes with the aspirations of our people,” Minister Athian said.
Mr Zeidane reaffirmed the IMF’s commitment to supporting South Sudan and encouraged the government to strengthen fiscal and governance policies.
“I encourage you to continue strengthening fiscal and governance policies. I am happy to hear that you are improving in different areas,” he said.
Mr Zeidane is Director of the IMF’s African Department, overseeing the fund’s operations and engagement with 45 countries across sub-Saharan Africa, according to the IMF. He assumed the role in 2026 and previously served as Mauritania’s Prime Minister and Central Bank Governor.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok, running from 12th to 18th October 2026.
South Sudan is preparing for general elections scheduled for 22nd December 2026, following constitutional amendments that removed legal obstacles to holding the vote.
Attendees included Costas Christou, Deputy Director of the IMF’s African Department; Melesse Minale Tasha, Assistant Director; Hon. Benjamin Ayali Koyongwa, Undersecretary for Planning at the Ministry of Finance and Planning; and other senior officials from the ministry and the Bank of South Sudan.
