Open Letter to Hon. Dr. Barnaba Bak Chol, Minister of Finance and Planning

By Baak Chan Yak DENG

Subject: A Call for Strengthened Economic Stability Through Strategic Project Implementation and Tax Reforms

Dear Hon Dr. Barnaba Bak Chol,

Minister of Finance and Planning, Republic of South Sudan

With profound respect and sincere national concern, I write to you as a citizen who believes strongly in the transformative power of sound economic leadership. Your appointment as the Minister of Finance and Planning comes at a time when our country stands at a critical economic crossroads, a moment that demands bold decisions, visionary reforms, and an unwavering commitment to accountability.

Economic stability is the foundation of national development, public welfare, and long-term progress. For South Sudan to move toward a stable and resilient economy, it is essential that government resources are utilized efficiently, development projects are carefully evaluated, and revenue collection systems are strengthened. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through proper project prioritization and the introduction of essential taxes such as Value Added Tax (VAT) that have proven effective in many economies around the world.

South Sudan has the potential to rise as one of the most resilient economies in East Africa, yet this potential can only be realized through disciplined management of public resources, strategic prioritization of national projects, and the strengthening of our revenue collection systems. It is in this spirit that I humbly present the following recommendations for your esteemed office.

1.     Prioritizing Vital Government Projects for Economic Stability

Development projects form the backbone of national progress. When carefully selected and implemented, they uplift citizens, integrate markets, stimulate business, and lay the foundation for long-term economic growth. However, when resources are channeled into projects that do not demonstrate measurable progress, the entire nation bears the cost.

One critical example is the Bhar el Ghazal road project, an initiative that promised nationwide connectivity but has remained stagnant for over three years, failing to move beyond Central Equatoria despite heavy financial investment. This delay not only represents resource wastage but also undermines public trust and impedes regional mobility.

Hon minister, the nation looks to your leadership to:

i.         Review, audit, and restructure such high-investment projects;

ii.         Ensure that contractors deliver value for money;

iii.         Redirect resources toward projects that generate real economic returns.

A strategy that focuses on vital, impactful, and efficiently managed projects will help restore confidence in public investment and stimulate sustainable national development.

2.     Enhancing Monitoring and Accountability Mechanisms

Honestly Public confidence in government finances grows only when accountability is visible, consistent, and uncompromising. Strengthening oversight frameworks will not only protect public funds but also improve the speed and quality of project delivery.

To achieve this, Hon Minister may consider:

i.         Instituting regular independent project audits;

ii.         Enforcing transparent progress reporting from ministries and contractors;

iii.         Empowering communities to participate in local monitoring;

iv.         Imposing strict penalties for negligence, misuse of funds, or deliberate project delays.

A government is strongest when its financial systems are transparent and its people trust the institutions that manage their resources.

3.     Strengthening National Revenue Through Comprehensive Tax Reforms

A stable economy cannot rely solely on natural resources or external support. Sustainable growth demands a diversified and reliable domestic revenue system. Today, South Sudan lacks several essential tax mechanisms that are standard in developing and advanced economies alike.

One of the most impactful reforms your office can champion is the introduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT).

Why I am saying VAT is Critical for South Sudan at this time,

i.         It is because VAT is one of the most efficient and reliable forms of taxation worldwide. It is charged on goods and services at every stage of production and distribution.

ii.         It broadens the national revenue base without imposing excessive burdens on any single group.

iii.         It reduces tax evasion through built-in recordkeeping requirements.

iv.         It is transparent, predictable, and business-friendly.

v.         It creates a steady and significant income stream for national development.

Many nations have transformed their fiscal systems and increased revenue stability through VAT, and South Sudan stands to gain greatly from this reform.

Apart from VAT, the government and leadership should strengthen other tax areas such as personal income tax, corporate tax, excise duties on luxury products, property taxes in urban areas, and customs will help build a more self-reliant and resilient economy.

To maximize revenue collection, it is essential to modernize the tax administration system through digital platforms, taxpayer education, and strengthened anti-corruption mechanisms.

4.     Modernizing the Tax Administration System

To maximize revenue collection:

i.         Digital tax systems should be introduced for easier payment and tracking

ii.         Tax education campaigns should be launched to inform citizens and businesses

iii.         Anti-corruption mechanisms must be enforced to ensure collected funds reach the treasury

5.     Ensuring Effective Utilization of National Revenue

Revenue reforms will only deliver their intended impact if finances are managed responsibly. South Sudan must embrace a disciplined fiscal culture by:

i.         Funding projects based on national priority and impact;

ii.         Reducing unnecessary expenditures across government institutions;

iii.         Ensuring timely implementation of approved projects;

iv.         Establishing emergency and stabilization funds to protect the nation from future shocks.

The power of revenue lies not only in its collection but in its responsible use.

A Hopeful Path Forward

Hon. Minister of finance and planning, the people of South Sudan believe in the possibility of a brighter economic future one defined by stability, accountability, and shared prosperity. Your leadership in the Ministry of Finance is a beacon of hope, and the entire nation looks to your commitment to reform the economic landscape with vision, courage, and integrity.

By prioritizing vital projects, strengthening oversight, and spearheading tax reforms such as VAT, you have the opportunity to guide South Sudan toward a new era of financial discipline and national progress.

May your tenure be marked by transformative achievements that uplift every citizen and place South Sudan firmly on the map of economically rising nations.

Conclusion

For the economy to be stable, South Sudan must adopt a dual approach: efficient use of public resources and improved tax collection. The new Minister of Finance has a critical role to play in driving reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and revenue growth.

By prioritizing vital projects, monitoring public expenditure with strong accountability measures, and implementing essential taxes such as VAT, the government can create a more resilient and self-reliant economy. This is the path toward development, stability, and prosperity for the nation.

With great respect and hope,

Baak Chan Yak DENG

Accountancy Specialist and Freelance Management Consultant

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Best Regards,

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Baak Chan Yak Deng

Accountancy Specialist and Freelance Management Consultant.

MSc in Accounting & Finance, MBAF, PGD in MPPE and  BSC in Accounting & Finance.

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