South Sudan’s newly appointed Minister of Finance, Hon. Athiang Diing, met with leaders of the World Bank Group on Tuesday to explore new approaches for tackling the country’s economic challenges and to strengthen cooperation with international financial institutions.

Hon. Athiang reaffirmed his commitment to work closely with development partners to reshape South Sudan’s economic future, fast-track reforms, and restore investor confidence. He highlighted the urgency of public financial management reforms to build stronger institutions and support recovery across key sectors.

The minister acknowledged the prolonged economic hardship since the outbreak of conflict in 2013, noting severe currency depreciation against the US dollar as well as regional currencies, and South Sudan’s heavy reliance on imported goods—particularly from Uganda. Despite rich natural resources, including minerals and petroleum, the country has faced fiscal pressures that have at times delayed public-sector salaries.

Hon. Athiang succeeds Dr Maria Dongin, who served for about a year and focused on meeting civil-service payroll obligations, balancing the national budget, and tightening controls on public spending.