(JUBA) – The Government of South Sudan has launched the South Sudan Development Plan (SSDP) 2026–2036, a national framework intended to guide the country towards stability, resilience and sustainable economic growth over the next decade.
The plan was unveiled on 10 September 2025 at a ceremony in Juba, attended by senior government officials, lawmakers, and development partners. The Ministry of Finance and Planning described the document as a strategic blueprint that translates the aspirations of South Sudanese people into actionable policies.
Finance Minister Athian Ding Athian, who presided over the launch, described the occasion as a pivotal moment in South Sudan’s nation building process. He emphasised that success would depend on cooperation among government institutions, development partners and the wider community.
“The development plan will draw lessons from previous national strategies while charting a new course focused on economic diversification and resilience,” the Minister said. He stressed that responsibility for its implementation must be shared by all stakeholders.
The UN Resident Coordinator, Anita Kiki, welcomed the initiative but stressed the scale of the challenges ahead. She pointed to overlapping humanitarian, economic and security crises, compounded by regional instability, climate shocks and health risks.
“These pressures weigh heavily on the country’s development prospects,” she said, urging national leaders to resolve political differences through dialogue and inclusive engagement. She added that shifting from medium term to decade long planning could help reset South Sudan’s development trajectory if it is backed by genuine commitment to peace and reform.
Parliamentary Committee Chairperson for Finance and Economic Planning, Michael Ayuen, commended the Ministry of Finance and its partners for advancing the plan. He said lawmakers would closely monitor the process to ensure the document is refined, endorsed, and implemented in a way that addresses the nation’s priorities.
The SSDP 2026–2036 is scheduled to take effect in June 2026, in alignment with the revised national budget calendar. The government has stated that this timing will enable smoother integration of the plan into fiscal planning and resource allocation.
The launch of the development plan comes at a critical moment for South Sudan, where the economy continues to rely heavily on oil revenues while facing high inflation and weak infrastructure.
The government and partners see the plan as an opportunity to strengthen institutions, diversify revenue sources, and improve service delivery for citizens.
Key Objectives of South Sudan Development Plan 2026–2036
| Objective | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Stability | Enhance peace, security, and rule of law |
| Economic Resilience | Diversify economy beyond oil and reduce vulnerability to shocks |
| Infrastructure Development | Improve transport, energy, water, and ICT systems |
| Human Capital Investment | Expand education, health services, and skills training |
| Institutional Reform | Strengthen governance, transparency, and public financial management |
| Sustainable Growth | Promote agriculture, trade, and private sector development |
Key Stakeholder Perspectives
| Stakeholder | Position |
|---|---|
| Minister of Finance (Athian Ding) | Described the SSDP as a pivotal framework for stability and resilience, calling for partnerships. |
| UN Resident Coordinator (Anita Kiki) | Welcomed the plan but warned of overlapping crises, called for dialogue and inclusive engagement. |
| Parliament Committee (Michael Ayuen) | Praised the plan and pledged oversight to ensure national priorities are incorporated. |
The South Sudan Development Plan is expected to serve as a reference point for public policy, investment decisions, and external support over the next decade.
