(JUBA) – South Sudan’s Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services has called for greater inclusion of South Sudanese professionals in the implementation of the East Africa Regional Digital Integration Project, a World Bank funded programme aimed at transforming the country’s digital connectivity.
Deputy Minister of ICT and Postal Services, David Yauyau, made the appeal on Monday during an official meeting in Juba. He welcomed the $67 million (equivalent to about 308.2 billion South Sudanese Pounds at the August 2025 exchange rate of $1 = 4,600 SSP) grant provided by the World Bank and the International Development Association. He described the funding as more than just financial assistance, calling it “a vote of confidence in South Sudan’s ability to build a connected and prosperous future.”
The project, which became effective on 1 March 2023, will run for five years. It is built on three interconnected pillars: a single connectivity market, a single data market, and a single online services market. Together, these pillars are expected to improve cross border digital links, lower the cost of internet services, promote digital trade, and expand access to online services across the country.
Officials say the fibre optic cable from Kenya, one of the project’s key components, will be laid early next year. Once operational, it is expected to enhance access to affordable internet, boost economic activity and create opportunities for innovation.
Yauyau stressed that South Sudan’s role in the project must go beyond being a recipient of aid. He urged the World Bank to recruit more South Sudanese nationals into senior managerial and technical positions, arguing that this would build long term local expertise and reduce dependency on foreign consultants. He added that local professionals would have a better understanding of South Sudan’s needs and respect institutional protocols.
The Deputy Minister highlighted several challenges that have slowed progress, including delays in World Bank reviews of government requests, irregularities in staffing of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), and what he described as a lack of respect from some foreign specialists towards South Sudanese project coordinators.
Key Concerns Raised by the Ministry
| Issue | Concern Raised | Suggested Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Delays in project approvals | Long review periods for “No Objection” requests | Shorten review period to two working days for low value items |
| Staffing | More international staff than South Sudanese | Prioritise recruiting qualified South Sudanese professionals |
| Salaries | PIU salary inconsistencies | Ensure fair and transparent payment structures |
| Office space | Lack of functional PIU office | Release $191,000 (≈ 878.6 million SSP) for ministry building renovation |
| Protocol | Disregard of ministry procedures by foreign staff | Prioritise national recruitment to ensure compliance |
Yauyau also confirmed that the World Bank has approved $191,000 to renovate office space for the PIU, which will support project operations.
He concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to collaborate with the World Bank and regional partners, but insisted that reforms are necessary for the project to deliver lasting results. He stressed that prioritising South Sudanese in staffing would strengthen accountability and ensure that the benefits of digital integration reach communities across the country.