Guya Scopas Bethuel
The Central Equatoria State Ministerial Economic Cluster has incorporated amendments and inclusions into the State Budget for the 2026/2027 fiscal year following directives from the State Council of Ministers.
The Economic Cluster, chaired by the State Minister of Finance, Planning and Investment, Hon. Aya Jenet Alex, reviewed the proposed amendments during its sitting on Wednesday, August 26.
The deliberations focused on the draft State Budget, Draft Financial Bill and Draft Appropriation Bill for the 2026/2027 fiscal year.
According to the State Ministerial Economic Cluster Press Unit, all proposed amendments have now been incorporated in accordance with legal requirements.
The Cluster is expected to retable the amended 2026/2027 fiscal budget before the State Council of Ministers for final approval. Once approved, the budget will be submitted to the Revitalized State Transitional Legislative Assembly for further scrutiny and final approval.
E-Tax and MAC Company Agreement
The Economic Cluster also considered a memorandum from the State Ministry of Finance, Planning and Investment concerning the E-Tax system and the status of the Memorandum of Understanding and contract with MAC Company.
The matter was discussed in light of legal guidance provided by the State Legal Administration and Public Prosecution.
The Cluster resolved to submit the legal opinion to the state leadership for final directives, review and implementation.
Central Equatoria State Ministerial Economic Cluster convenes in Juba on August 26, 2026, to review and incorporate amendments into the 2026/2027 State Budget ahead of its resubmission to the State Council of Ministers for final approval. (Photo: Courtesy)
Proposed Rural Development Bank
Another key memorandum considered by the Cluster was submitted by the State Minister of Cooperatives and Rural Development, Hon. Emmanuel Khamis Richard, regarding the proposed establishment of a State Rural Development Bank.
The proposed institution is intended to support indigenous entrepreneurs, cooperatives, Savings and Credit Organizations (SACOs), farmers’ groups, and other economic enterprises operating in Central Equatoria State.
The proposal is aligned with Pillar Three of the State’s development priorities, which focuses on strengthening economic development and livelihoods.
The Economic Cluster passed the memorandum with amendments and resolved to forward it to the State Council of Ministers for further deliberation and approval.
The proposed bank, if approved, is expected to provide greater financial opportunities for local entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and agricultural producers, while contributing to the broader economic development objectives of Central Equatoria State.
The Economic Cluster’s latest deliberations come as the state government prepares to finalize the 2026/2027 fiscal budget and advance it through the required approval process.