Cooperative Societies Act, 2011.

This Act, comprising 90 Articles divided into XVI Chapters, serves as the foundational legal framework governing the establishment, registration, administration, dissolution, and oversight of cooperative societies within South Sudan. Under this Act, a cooperative society is defined as an organization comprised of members who collectively advance their economic and social interests in adherence to cooperative principles. These principles encompass voluntary and inclusive membership, democratic member governance, active member participation in economic activities, autonomy, educational initiatives, collaboration between cooperatives, and a commitment to community and environmental well-being. The Act also lays out the hierarchical structure of cooperative societies, encompassing primary societies, county unions, state unions, and the apex organization known as the Southern Sudan Cooperatives Federation.
Chapter IV outlines the roles and duties of key officials such as the Director General, State Directors, Deputy Registrars, and Assistant Registrars, appointed by the government to oversee cooperative society development. Chapter V provides comprehensive guidelines for cooperative society registration, amendments, and dissolution, including their by-laws. In Chapter VI, the Act defines both the rights (e.g., meeting attendance, voting, holding positions, and accessing information) and obligations (financial commitments, aiding in debt settlement during insolvency) of society members. Lastly, the Act grants specific privileges and exemptions to cooperative societies, encompassing priority access to member products and assets, tax exemptions, and preferential treatment in areas like land allocation, transportation, and contracts.