By: Kanto
Kai Okanta
South Sudan's National
Communication Authority (NCA) has engaged the Bank of South Sudan to explore
financial mechanisms and monetary interventions to address economic challenges
affecting telecommunications operators in the country.
The meeting, held at Telecom
House in Gumbo, was led by NCA Director General Eng. Gieth Kon Mathiang,
accompanied by directors of the authority, and brought together officials from
the Bank of South Sudan to discuss economic and financial pressures facing the
telecommunications sector.
The discussions focused on
foreign exchange volatility, rising operational expenses and monetary
fluctuations affecting mobile network operators (MNOs).
Building on concerns raised
during recent consultations with mobile network operators, the engagement also
examined issues relating to cash and electronic-money exchange rates, pricing
models and mobile money liquidity.
The authority engaged the
central bank to explore possible financial mechanisms and monetary
interventions that could help telecom operators navigate the macroeconomic
challenges.
Eng. Mathiang emphasised
that supporting mobile network operators through the economic difficulties was
critical to safeguarding consumers, sustaining reliable network continuity and
keeping communication services affordable across the country.
The NCA said the continued
engagements would strengthen regulatory collaboration, promote financial
sustainability across the telecommunications sector and support the development
of a resilient telecommunications ecosystem that serves the people of South
Sudan.
