(Juba) – MTN South Sudan has concluded its 2025 “21 Days of Y’ello Care” campaign by delivering digital tools, internet access and training to more than 40,000 people in four underserved communities. The initiative, which ran from 1–21 June, focused on connecting vulnerable groups, including displaced people and refugees, under the theme “Connecting at the Roots.”
The Y’ello Care programme is an MTN-wide annual initiative in which employees volunteer their time to carry out community-focused development projects across all operational areas. In South Sudan, the campaign targeted four communities.
| Community | Estimated Reach |
|---|---|
| Gorom Refugee Camp | Over 12,000 residents |
| Terekeka | Over 12,000 residents |
| Sherikat | Over 12,000 residents |
| Mangateen IDP Camp | Over 3,000 residents |
In Mangateen, MTN installed a solar-powered technology hub equipped with internet, computers and charging stations. In Gorom Refugee Camp, solar equipment was also installed to support local internet connectivity. Both locations now offer shared community spaces for learning and communication.
To support digital empowerment, MTN distributed 100 smartphones to selected households and conducted mobile money (MoMo) training to promote digital financial inclusion. Beneficiaries were trained in using mobile platforms to send, receive and manage money safely.
The campaign included digital literacy workshops, creating what MTN describes as “local digital champions” who can pass on knowledge within their communities.
On the education front, the initiative trained both teachers and students using the MTN “Internet of Good Things” platform. This included support for e-learning, access to research material, and digital tools to support classroom instruction.
MTN also targeted economic empowerment by enabling small businesses and families to access mobile money services and digital income tools. These steps are expected to help families transition from informal to more secure financial systems.
The company shared quotes from beneficiaries. Veronica Nyakuol, a 22-year-old resident of Mangateen, said internet access helped her submit school assignments on time after previously missing deadlines due to connectivity problems. Amol Mary, a resident at Gorom Refugee Camp, noted she no longer has to choose between buying food and charging her phone, thanks to new infrastructure.
According to MTN officials, the initiative is part of a wider goal to reduce the digital divide and ensure that marginalised populations, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees, are not left behind in the shift towards digital economies.
Speaking on the campaign’s broader vision, Mapula Bodibe, MTN South Sudan’s Chief Executive Officer, said that digital inclusion enables financial services, supports learning, and improves communication networks. She stated the company’s aim is to bridge connectivity gaps that persist in many areas of the country.
MTN’s Chief Legal Officer, Moses Mayor, added that the campaign reflects the company’s commitment to addressing the basic digital needs of vulnerable populations across South Sudan.
The “21 Days of Y’ello Care” campaign is part of MTN’s pan-African efforts to use technology as a tool for social change. The initiative has now completed its 2025 cycle, but MTN has said it remains committed to investing in long-term digital inclusion and financial empowerment for South Sudan’s communities.
