Who is Hon. Dr. Addis Ababa Othow, PhD? Governor, Bank of South Sudan
Born in 1974 in Malakal, South Sudan, Dr. Addis Ababa Othow is a distinguished economist, banker, academician, and public sector leader. With decades of experience in economic policy, banking, and institutional development, he currently serves as the Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, a role he assumed on June 9, 2025.
UNIVERSITY EDUCATION
Dr. Othow began his academic journey at Al-Neelain University in Sudan, where he graduated with honors in Economics in 1995, receiving the Best Student Award in his department. He later earned a master’s degree in Economic Development from the same university in 1999. Seeking international exposure, he moved to the Netherlands, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting from Hanze University in 2007. To deepen his expertise, Dr. Othow pursued further studies and holds two doctoral degrees:
- A PhD in Political Economy from Al-Neelain University, focusing on the relationship between
political stability and economic development in South Sudan. - A PhD in Business Administration from Atlantic International University, with research on the
role of institutions in financial stability and sustainable growth. He also completed the Advanced Management Programme at Strathmore University, delivered in collaboration with Lagos Business School and IESE Business School in Spain.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Dr. Othow’s professional career began in academia, where he briefly served as a university lecturer at Al-Neelain University. In 1996, he joined the Central Bank of Sudan as a Banking Inspector, where he played a critical role in the financial restructuring of Ivory Bank. By 1999, he became an Advisor and Development Planner for the Council of Southern Sudan, leading projects aimed at improving community livelihoods.
In 2010, after gaining international work experience in Amsterdam as an Assistant Accountant and Auditor, he returned to Southern Sudan. He briefly worked at the Anti-Corruption Commission before joining the Bank of South Sudan in December 2010. Over time, he rose through the ranks, holding key positions such as:
a) Head of the Non-Banking Division
b) Head of Planning, Regulation, and Licensing
c) Member of the Private Sector Development Steering Committee, working with the World
Bank.
In 2015, Dr. Othow joined Equity Bank, beginning at its Nairobi headquarters, and later served as Deputy Managing Director and then Managing Director of Equity Bank South Sudan Ltd. In 2022, he was appointed First Deputy Governor of the Bank of South Sudan. After a brief return to Equity Bank in 2023, he was reappointed as First Deputy Governor in 2025 and officially assumed the position of Governor.
ACADEMIC AND NATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Alongside his professional work, Dr. Othow has remained active in academia as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Juba. He has chaired or served on several national boards, including:
- South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (Chair)
- Rombur National Teachers Training Institute (Chair)
- Financial Intelligence Unit (Chair)
- South Sudan Pensions Fund Board (Deputy Chairperson)
Dr. Addis Ababa Othow brings to his role as Governor a powerful combination of academic depth, policy insight, banking experience, and visionary leadership. His career reflects a strong commitment to institutional development, financial reform, and the long-term economic advancement of South Sudan.
