(JUBA) – The Minister of Finance and Planning, Hon. Dr. Bak Barnaba Chol, met with Mr. Themba Bhebhe, the Country Manager for the African Development Bank (AfDB), in Juba on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, to discuss the Bank’s ongoing and upcoming projects in South Sudan.
Mr. Bhebhe briefed the Minister on the AfDB’s recently approved strategy for collaboration with the Government of South Sudan, covering six major investment projects valued at an estimated USD 300 Million (2.13 Billion SSP at current rates) for the period 2025 to 2027.
Three of the projects are national programmes focused on water and sanitation, energy, and women and youth development. The remaining three are regional initiatives under the Horn of Africa Initiative. These include a feasibility study for energy transmission lines to import electricity from Ethiopia and a road corridor connecting South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Djibouti. The feasibility study and environmental impact assessment for the Kapoeta-Boma-Raad corridor are expected to begin early next year.
Minister Bak reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the Bank’s initiatives and pledged continued cooperation to promote development and attract investments across multiple sectors of the economy.
“This partnership is crucial for South Sudan’s development,” Minister Bak said. “We are determined to ensure that AfDB projects are implemented efficiently and contribute to the country’s growth and regional integration.”
| AfDB Project Areas | Scope | Estimated Investment (USD/SSP) | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water and Sanitation | National programme | 50 Million USD / 355 Billion SSP | 2025–2027 | Improve access to clean water and sanitation |
| Energy | National programme | 70 Million USD / 497 Billion SSP | 2025–2027 | Develop national energy infrastructure |
| Women and Youth | National programme | 40 Million USD / 284 Billion SSP | 2025–2027 | Empowerment and skills development |
| Energy Transmission Lines | Regional | 60 Million USD / 426 Billion SSP | 2025–2027 | Feasibility study for electricity import from Ethiopia |
| Road Corridor (South Sudan–Ethiopia–Djibouti) | Regional | 50 Million USD / 355 Billion SSP | 2025–2027 | Feasibility and environmental impact assessment for Kapoeta-Boma-Raad |
| Regional Development Projects | Regional | 30 Million USD / 213 Billion SSP | 2025–2027 | Various regional initiatives under Horn of Africa Initiative |
According to the Finance Ministry, the AfDB collaboration demonstrates South Sudan’s focus on attracting strategic investments, improving infrastructure, and strengthening regional connectivity to support economic growth and social development.
