(JUBA) – The Minister of Finance and Planning, Hon. Athian Ding Athian, met on Thursday with the African Development Bank (AfDB) Country Manager, Mr. Themba Bhebhe, to review ongoing projects and future areas of cooperation in South Sudan.
The meeting, held in Juba on 18 September 2025, focused on AfDB’s portfolio in the country, which includes major projects in road infrastructure, power transmission, and institutional capacity building. These are seen as critical drivers for South Sudan’s economic recovery and long term growth, according to the Finance Ministry.
Mr. Bhebhe explained that AfDB is prioritising investment in transport and energy infrastructure because of their direct impact on trade and productivity. Better roads, he said, will open up access for businesses and farmers, while more reliable power transmission will improve services for industry and households. Institutional capacity building, he added, is also necessary to strengthen governance and improve the efficiency of public service delivery.
Minister Athian welcomed the Bank’s continued support, saying South Sudan values AfDB as a trusted partner in its development journey. He stressed the government’s readiness to work closely with the Bank to ensure projects are successfully implemented.
“The African Development Bank has stood with us in difficult times. We are committed to cooperating fully with AfDB so that our people benefit from improved services, jobs, and growth opportunities,” Athian said.
The Minister also pointed out that cooperation with financial institutions like AfDB is vital at a time when government revenues remain constrained.
The Minister said this makes external partnerships essential to South Sudan’s growth. He noted that AfDB’s support extends beyond infrastructure to areas such as agriculture, health, and education, which are key to improving livelihoods and diversifying the economy.
AfDB has been active in South Sudan since independence, supporting projects that aim to reduce poverty, improve governance, and expand access to essential services. Both parties agreed to maintain regular dialogue to ensure alignment of priorities and effective implementation of projects.
According to a statement on the ministry website, the meeting reaffirmed AfDB’s position as one of South Sudan’s key development partners, working to strengthen both the economy and the capacity of institutions.
AfDB – Finance Ministry Meeting in Juba City
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Date of Meeting | 18 September 2025 |
| Location | Juba County, South Sudan |
| Main Participants | Hon. Athian Ding Athian (Minister of Finance and Planning), Mr. Themba Bhebhe (AfDB Country Manager) |
| Purpose | Review progress of AfDB projects and strengthen cooperation |
| Key Project Areas | Road infrastructure, power transmission, institutional capacity building |
| Minister’s Message | South Sudan values AfDB as a trusted partner and is committed to full cooperation |
| AfDB’s Focus | Transport and energy to boost trade and productivity; stronger institutions for better governance |
| Currency Context | $1 = 7,100 SSP (Sept 2025 market rate) |
| Agreed Outcome | Continued dialogue and cooperation between AfDB and government |