(Juba) – Dr James Alic Garang, the former Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, has urged young people across Africa, especially university students in South Sudan to take advantage of the growing influence of digital platforms to shape their futures.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Ayat Students’ Association in Juba on 29 June 2025, Dr Garang said that education alone is not enough to secure employment in today’s fast-changing world.
Addressing the audience, which included political leaders and student representatives, Dr Garang said African youth must focus not only on academic degrees but also on gaining practical and marketable skills. He stressed the need to build strong communication, public relations, and office etiquette, alongside ethical conduct, to meet current global employment demands.
“A university degree alone is not enough,” he told the students. “You must invest in key employable skills such as public speaking, communication, and ethical behaviour. These are the skills that employers value today.”
The theme of the event was “Motivating Students to Embrace New Experiences.” The occasion brought together notable figures, including Maulana Ateny Wek Ateny, the former Presidential Press Secretary, MPs James Aguer Alic and Jacob Dau Kuol, and Ayat Students’ Association Chairlady Tina Ajok Akok.
Dr Garang, who once served as a senior advisor at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C., and led the Bank of South Sudan from October 2023, said Africa’s youthful population could become a major advantage if the right opportunities are created and education is improved. He described this potential as a “youth dividend,” which would only be realised through investment in the young generation.
Dr Garang encouraged the youth to look beyond entertainment when using social media, advising them to use digital platforms for job creation and business development. He gave examples such as offering digital services like printing, data entry, and content creation, or running small online businesses.
“Harness technology and create your own opportunities. Learn to do more with what is available to you,” he said.
Dr Garang also warned the students to be careful with their online behaviour, explaining that what they post online could affect their chances of getting jobs or visas. He cited the example of the U.S. State Department’s practice of reviewing visa applicants’ social media profiles.
“Think before you post. Engage respectfully even with views you disagree with. Your digital behaviour reflects your emotional and professional stability,” he warned.
Drawing from his personal journey, Dr Garang shared how he survived the civil war as one of the “Lost Boys” and went on to become a Ronald E. McNair Scholar at the University of Utah in the United States. He later co-founded the Sudd Institute, one of South Sudan’s leading policy research organisations.
He also appealed to student leaders to demonstrate responsibility, transparency, and teamwork, saying such leadership skills are important not only during university life but throughout their careers.
Dr Garang concluded by thanking the organisers and encouraged students to align their studies and efforts with national development goals.
“Use this chapter of your life wisely. Your education and your actions today are the foundation of the South Sudan you will help build tomorrow,” he said.