Sudan, which gained formal independence from the north on July 9 after decades of civil war, is one of the poorest countries on earth.

"The reforms would allow agencies to better plan their expenditure, as well as giving them more power over the implementation of their budgets," said Finance Undersecretary Salvatore Garang Mabiordit.

It also allows for increased transparency in the way that payments are made by the government," he added.

The fledgling nation faces a host of daunting challenges, including the rampant corruption new President Salva Kiir has repeatedly vowed to confront.

Other reforms to be introduced from November 1 include "payments being made directly to properly registered vendors rather than through government agencies, more rigorous controls over the signing of government contracts, clearing of arrears, and improved accountability procedures for petty cash expenditure," the government statement said.

In an open letter last month, Kiir said new measures, including regulation of land sales and publication of government officials' finances, would lead to greater transparency and accountability.

Opposition leader of the SPLM-DC party Lam Akol has said that tackling graft and ensuring that people "see the fruits of peace" with improved services is key to the new nation's socio-economic success.

Akol, who this month pledged his support in helping Kiir build the new nation after years of bitter rivalry that pushed him out of the country, said a proper crackdown on corruption was necessary.

"The level of services that have been done in the last six years is not commensurate with the amount of money that has come into the coffers of the south," said Akol.

He called for stricter controls on oil revenues and donor money, fearing a donor pullout unless the international community's goodwill is met "not only through lip-service but through action."

© 2011 AFP