A person counts South Sudanese pound banknotes in Juba, South Sudan, on Sunday, June 6, 2021. [Photo: Adrienne Surprenant/Bloomberg via Getty Images]

JUBA — South Sudan’s Council of Ministers, chaired by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, on Friday approved the proposed Resource Envelope and Expenditure Framework for the 2026/2027 fiscal year amounting to SSP 11.3 trillion.

According to a statement from the Office of the President, the approval followed a presentation by the Minister of Finance and Planning, Daniel Ayulo Kuol, who outlined projected government revenues and planned expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year.

“The Council of Ministers, chaired by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, on Friday approved the proposed Resource Envelope and Expenditure Framework for the 2026/2027 Fiscal Year, amounting to SSP 11.3 trillion,” the statement said.

After “extensive deliberations,” the Cabinet “unanimously endorsed the framework” and resolved to forward it to the Transitional National Legislative Assembly for debate and approval in line with constitutional procedures governing public finance management.

The framework, themed “Building Resilience and Economic Prosperity for Sustainable Peace,” sets out government fiscal priorities for the 2026/2027 financial year, with emphasis on strengthening economic resilience, improving public service delivery, and advancing long-term national development.

Once tabled before lawmakers, the proposal will undergo scrutiny before Parliament considers the Appropriation Bill and other related budget instruments as required under the Constitution and the Public Financial Management framework.

A notable provision in the Cabinet’s resolution relates to tax compliance and exemptions. The statement noted that, in line with earlier decisions on tax exemptions, importers of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, motor vehicles, and other goods not qualifying for statutory exemptions will be required to pay all applicable taxes and duties.

“Statutory tax exemptions remain applicable only where provided for under existing laws and international obligations, including for United Nations agencies, development partners, and humanitarian organisations operating in South Sudan,” the statement added.

The government also reaffirmed its commitment to fiscal discipline, stating that it “remains committed to prudent public financial management and to improving the welfare of citizens through the effective implementation of the national budget and the delivery of essential public services.”