(JUBA) – The Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services (MOICT&PS) has announced measures to address operational difficulties faced by two of its key institutions, the Universal Service and Access Fund (USAF) and the Access to Information Commission.
The decisions were taken during the ministry’s 14th leadership meeting, held on 4 September 2025 in Juba. The session focused on how best to strengthen the working environment of the two bodies, which play a central role in expanding communications services and ensuring citizens’ access to information.
Speaking after the meeting, Gieth Kon Mathiang, the Director General of the National Communication Authority, said the leadership had agreed to estimate and allocate a budget to support the operations of USAF and the Information Commission. The financial plan is intended to ease challenges that have hampered the performance of the two parastatals.
The Universal Service and Access Fund was created to extend telecommunications and digital services to underserved areas of South Sudan, ensuring that remote and rural communities can connect to mobile and internet services. The Access to Information Commission, on the other hand, is responsible for promoting transparency, accountability, and citizens’ right to information. Both institutions are viewed as essential for strengthening governance and stimulating private sector development in the country’s digital economy.
In a separate development, Mathiang reported that the leadership reviewed a report by the Undersecretary of Information, Mawien Bulabek, following his recent visit to Uganda. The mission was focused on building cooperation and launching projects that will support both the public and private sector ahead of South Sudan’s upcoming general elections.
The ministry said such cross border collaboration is aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing service delivery, and aligning South Sudan with regional standards in the ICT sector. A statement on the ministry’s website said officials believe the reforms will improve the operating environment for telecommunications companies, media outlets, and digital entrepreneurs, thereby supporting wider economic growth.
| Key Agency | Mandate | Current Challenge | Proposed Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Service and Access Fund (USAF) | Expand telecom and digital services to rural and underserved areas | Limited operational budget | Allocation of estimated budget support |
| Access to Information Commission | Ensure right to information, transparency and accountability | Constrained working environment and resources | Budget support and improved institutional framework |
According to the central bank of South Sudan, improving the performance of these two bodies is vital for South Sudan’s wider economic and governance agenda. Enhanced communication services can reduce the cost of doing business, improve access to markets, and increase opportunities for innovation, while better access to information supports good governance and investor confidence.
The ministry emphasised that its current leadership will continue to prioritise reforms that strengthen both the regulatory environment and service delivery.
Juba Leadership Approves Support for Telecom and Information Agencies
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Juba County, South Sudan |
| Date of Meeting | 4 September 2025 |
| Organiser | Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services (MOICT&PS) |
| Event | 14th Leadership Meeting |
| Key Agencies Discussed | Universal Service and Access Fund (USAF), Access to Information Commission |
| Main Challenge | Operational and funding constraints affecting service delivery |
| Decision Taken | Budget estimated and allocated to support the two agencies |
| Purpose of USAF | Expand telecom and digital services to rural and underserved areas |
| Purpose of Access to Information Commission | Promote transparency, accountability and citizens’ right to information |
| Key Speaker | Gieth Kon Mathiang, Director General of the National Communication Authority |
| Additional Development | Review of report from Undersecretary Mawien Bulabek’s visit to Uganda |
| Uganda Visit Outcome | Projects initiated to support public and private sector ahead of general elections |
| Strategic Importance | Strengthening ICT, improving transparency, and supporting the digital economy |
| Economic Relevance | Reduces cost of doing business, opens access to markets, supports innovation |
| Political Relevance | Supports governance, transparency, and election preparedness |
