South Sudan’s Minister of Finance and Planning, Hon. Athian Ding Athian, has returned from Washington, D.C., after leading the nation’s delegation to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Conference.

The high-level meeting brought together global financial leaders and experts to discuss strategies for strengthening institutional frameworks and improving financial intelligence systems. Minister Athian noted that discussions centred on enhancing the resilience of developing economies and fostering sustainable growth.

He revealed that the IMF has pledged to continue supporting South Sudan in stabilising its economy and strengthening fiscal management. “The conference focused on maintaining economic integrity and identifying strategies to help nations like ours stay on the right track despite current challenges,” he said.

Minister Athian was accompanied by senior government officials, including Dr. Addis Ababa, Governor of the Bank of South Sudan. However, despite renewed international support, the South Sudanese pound continues to weaken against the US dollar, highlighting the ongoing economic pressures facing the young nation.

Since the outbreak of conflict in 2013, South Sudan—Africa’s youngest country—has grappled with severe economic difficulties, compounded by persistent insecurity, cattle raiding, child exploitation, and intercommunal violence. In addition, devastating floods have displaced hundreds of thousands, destroyed livelihoods, and pushed nearly half the population into extreme poverty, leaving many dependent on humanitarian assistance.

Minister Athian reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with the IMF and other partners to rebuild the economy and promote long-term stability.