3229: South Sudan Parliament Opens Public Hearings on 2024 to 2025 Budget and Finance Bill

South Sudan’s National Legislative Assembly has opened a two day public hearing on the finance bill and the draft budget for the 2024 to 2025 fiscal year, bringing together officials, state representatives, civil society, and taxpayers to debate measures aimed at economic recovery amid shrinking fiscal space. Discussions focused on aligning national and state revenue systems, using tariffs to protect local industry and attract investment, and prioritizing health and education as donor funding declines. Business representatives raised concerns about unauthorized fees, double taxation, and being required to pay some taxes in US dollars, calling for assessments to be done inside the country and for payments in local currency. Civil society groups warned that proposed tax and fee increases on basic goods and essential services like water connections could hurt vulnerable families, and urged reductions to support public health, food production, and livelihoods, as lawmakers prepare to compile feedback into a final report for endorsement.