(JUBA) – Germany has committed 65 million US dollars, equivalent to about 299 billion South Sudanese pounds (SSP), to support resilience programmes in South Sudan at a time when the country faces one of its most severe humanitarian crises.
The funding will be channelled through KfW, the German Development Bank, and directed to UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP). It aims to support close to one million people under the second phase of the Joint Resilience Project. Target areas include urban and peri-urban communities in Juba, Torit, Yambio and Aweil.
South Sudan’s population is currently estimated at 13.4 million, with about 9.3 million people (nearly 70 per cent) requiring humanitarian assistance. The new support from Germany is expected to help strengthen livelihoods and reduce dependence on emergency aid.
According to the German Embassy in Juba, the funds will be used to provide services in education, health, livelihoods, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), child protection and prevention of gender-based violence. Part of the money will go towards improving school infrastructure, such as renovating classrooms, and providing daily school meals to encourage learning and improve nutrition.
| German Contribution (2025) | Amount in USD | Amount in SSP (Official Rate) |
|---|---|---|
| Phase II Joint Resilience Project | 65 million USD | 299 billion SSP |
| Previous Phase (2019-2024) | 120 million USD | 552 billion SSP |
Gregory Bledjian, Germany’s Head of Mission in South Sudan, said the project was designed to build on the country’s potential for self-reliance.
“Enhancing food and nutritional security, improving education, and fostering social cohesion helps prevent long dependence on humanitarian aid. The second phase of the Joint Resilience Project is an opportunity to unlock South Sudan’s potential. Germany is proud to support South Sudanese communities on this path to development.”
UNICEF Representative in South Sudan, Noala Skinner, welcomed the support, noting that it would help address the needs of some of the country’s most vulnerable children.
“This timely and generous contribution from Germany will allow UNICEF to expand critical interventions – from treating severe malnutrition and ensuring access to safe water, to supporting education and protecting children from harm.”
WFP’s Acting Country Director in South Sudan, Adham Effendi, said the funding represented more than immediate aid.
“This support is not just assistance – it is an investment in resilience, food security, and dignity for the people we serve.”
The second phase of the Joint Resilience Project builds on progress made since the first phase launched in 2019. That earlier programme, backed with more than 120 million US dollars (about 552 billion SSP), reached around 550,000 people across South Sudan. The new phase aims to consolidate those achievements and expand support to more areas.
