The management of MTN South Sudan, a unit of Africa’s biggest mobile phone company, announced its plan to cut down activities and lay off staff owing to the shortage of US dollar in the country.

In a press conference on Tuesday in Juba, Khumbulani Dhlomo, the company’s head of corporate services, said MTN will fire 55% of its staff amid challenges due to a shortage of US dollars.

He said he appreciated the company’s national staff members for enduring the current economic crisis in South Sudan, but said the company may be forced to stop its operations completely if inflation of the South Sudanese Pound continues.

Dhlomo pointed out that the company has already halted its expansion plans for this year, including a planned installation of 40 antennae in some parts of South Sudan.

He noted that they have observed a decrease in their customer base by 10% since December last year, saying the company also reduced its promotional activities by 50%.

MTN has slightly more than 1 million subscribers in South Sudan, according to Dhlomo.