South Sudan to Expand IFMIS and Introduce Biometrically Integrated Payroll with FreeBalance

Landmark reforms will enhance fiscal transparency, improve payroll accuracy, and strengthen governance through digital transformation

Ottawa, Canada (February 11, 2025) – The Government of South Sudan’s Ministry of Finance and Planning (MoFP) has formally launched an expansion and extension of its Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), supported by FreeBalance. 

The expansion is part of the World Bank’s Public Financial Management and Institution Strengthening (PFMIS) Project. It was formalized during a contract signing and exchange ceremony in Juba on February 4, 2025, attended by the Hon. Benjamin Ayali Koyongwa, Undersecretary for Planning in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, senior executives from FreeBalance and other distinguished stakeholders. This milestone marks a transformative step towards enhancing fiscal transparency, improving payroll accuracy, and advancing civil service reform.

This initiative builds on FreeBalance’s 17-year partnership with South Sudan. It introduces new capabilities and expands IFMIS coverage to additional ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). The system is powered by the FreeBalance Accountability Suite™ and hosted securely in the cloud.

Extending the IFMIS will enable a range of enhancements designed to modernize public financial and human resource management. The improved system will result in:

• More accurate payroll processing through biometric verification and comprehensive employee re-registration
• Greater workforce accountability with auditable personnel records and a verified civil service headcount
• Enhanced financial oversight through stronger expenditure controls, streamlined budgeting, and improved revenue management
• Increased fiscal transparency through real-time data sharing, better auditing capabilities, and clearer financial reporting
• Improved efficiency across government as IFMIS coverage extends to the majority of ministries, departments, and agencies

Following the event, Manuel Schiappa Pietra, President and CEO of FreeBalance, commented: “FreeBalance is proud to support this new phase of IFMIS modernization, which reflects the Government of South Sudan’s dedication to advancing impactful reforms, improving governance, and achieving sustainable development for the benefit of all citizens. By incorporating advanced digital tools, the Government is further positioning itself to meet development goals and deliver improved services to citizens.”

FreeBalance will provide technical expertise, implementation support, and training to ensure the project’s success. In collaboration with subcontractor Afroportal, the initiative combines global expertise with a localized approach to ensure that the unique requirements of South Sudan are addressed throughout the implementation and in a sustainable manner.

FreeBalance’s Vice President of Revenue Marketing, Matthew Olivier,
signs the contract for the IFMIS expansion project in Juba. Seated to his right are
the Hon. Benjamin Ayali Koyongwa, Undersecretary for Planning, and the
Hon. Philister Baya Lawiri, Undersecretary for Public Service.