Juba National Stadium launches digital ticket payment

By James Chatim

The management of Juba National Stadium has launched the first-ever Mobile Money payment to enable fans entering the stadium to make secure online transactions without requiring physical cash.

Mobile Money payments are aligned with the Bank of South Sudan (BoSS) system, as the Bank has officially recognized mobile money as legal tender since July 2025.

This decision aligns with the BoSS’s 2023-2027 strategic plan to increase mobile money usage and promote financial inclusion.

Mobile money transactions now hold the same legal validity as cash and bank transfers, and businesses are mandated to accept them without conditions to avoid penalties.

The introduction of digital payments comes at a time when Juba National Stadium is set to host CAF interclub matches, which marked a significant milestone in South Sudanese football.

According to the Stadium’s management, average ticket prices range from SSP 3,000 and the most expensive tickets are set for SSP 50,000.

All East African countries extensively use mobile money services, with the region being a global pioneer and leader in mobile money innovation and adoption, and South Sudan is fitting itself into the system.

Services like M-Pesa in Kenya, launched in 2007, are deeply integrated into daily life, offering payments, transfers, savings, and credit. This widespread use is a key driver of financial inclusion, providing access to essential financial services for millions.

Mobile money has significant potential benefits for South Sudanese, including expanding financial inclusion, increasing transparency, reducing reliance on cash, and providing a safety net for vulnerable populations, though widespread adoption requires overcoming challenges like poor infrastructure, limited literacy, and trust issues.

Recent government legalization and ongoing initiatives aim to address these barriers by improving access, promoting financial education, and integrating mobile money into public and private systems.

Potential Benefits of Financial Inclusion:

Mobile money can provide access to financial services for a population with low traditional banking access, enabling faster and easier transactions.

Reduced Risk:

It offers a safer way to handle money, reducing the risks associated with carrying and losing physical cash, which is crucial in a conflict-prone environment.

Improved Transparency and Efficiency:

By digitizing transactions, mobile money can reduce corruption, especially in the distribution of humanitarian aid and government payments.

Formalization of Economy:

It can integrate the large informal economy into formal financial networks, fostering business growth and access to services like insurance.

Economic Resilience:

It can provide a financial safety net for communities, helping households manage external shocks like conflict or natural disasters.

Support for Traders and Businesses:

Mobile money enables small and medium-sized traders to engage in digital transactions, potentially lowering costs and expanding their business reach.

Challenges to Adoption

Limited Infrastructure:

A significant barrier is the lack of robust telecom infrastructure, especially in rural areas, and the difficulty in accessing phones and SIM cards.

Financial Literacy:

A lack of awareness and financial literacy, particularly in local languages, can hinder adoption.

Trust and Familiarity:

Overcoming skepticism and building trust in digital platforms is essential, especially given the challenges and past issues with mobile money services.

Economic Barriers:

The cost of mobile phones and the economic struggles of the urban poor can limit access.

Inconsistent Service:

Some users report issues with service availability, reliability, and the functionality of mobile money platforms, leading to frustration and distrust, according to a user’s comment on Facebook.

The Bank of South Sudan and government ministries have recently embarked on promoting mobile money, encouraging its integration into public finance systems and government salary payments.

However, there is a need to expand telecom infrastructure and establish agent networks to improve accessibility across the country.

Also, there is a need for awareness and financial education campaigns in local languages to encourage users to understand and trust the services.