(JUBA) – MTN South Sudan and UNICEF have launched a new partnership aimed at improving access to trusted information for children, young people and families across the country. The agreement seeks to strengthen digital inclusion at a time when reliable communication remains essential for communities, businesses and service providers.
MTN said the collaboration will provide users with free data access to UNICEF’s Internet of Good Things, a platform offering educational, health and child protection information. The pages can be used without consuming data bundles, which the company expects will increase usage among low income households.
UNICEF notes that access to information is important in improving decision making for families, especially during emergencies. MTN will support this by distributing public service SMS alerts to its national subscriber base, helping government agencies and humanitarian organisations reach communities more quickly. The company said the alerts will be used for issues such as disease outbreaks, flooding, security updates and other emergency situations.
The partnership also includes hosting UNICEF learning content on the MTN Mobile TV App, a service designed for users who may not have access to regular schooling or structured learning tools. The content will include child friendly educational material, guidance for parents and youth focused information.
For South Sudan’s business sector, digital partnerships of this kind signal a growing interest in corporate social responsibility and stronger investment in community facing projects.
Telecom companies have been positioning themselves as key players in national development, with digital access viewed as an important factor for economic growth.
MTN stated that the initiative aligns with its broader commitment to support social development through technology. UNICEF welcomed the move and emphasised that improved access to verified information can help reduce misinformation, support young people in learning and strengthen public awareness during crises.
The partnership comes at a time when digital connectivity continues to expand in South Sudan, driven by rising mobile phone ownership and increased demand for online services. Businesses expect that greater access to educational and emergency information may also contribute to a more informed consumer base and support long term economic resilience.
MTN South Sudan – UNICEF Digital Access Partnership
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Partnership Parties | MTN South Sudan and UNICEF South Sudan |
| Main Objective | Expand access to trusted digital information for children, young people and families |
| Key Services Offered | Free access to UNICEF Internet of Good Things; public service SMS alerts; UNICEF educational content on MTN Mobile TV App |
| Beneficiaries | National MTN subscribers including low income households, learners and families |
| Emergency Support | SMS alerts for health, flooding, security updates and other national emergencies |
| Business Relevance | Strengthens digital inclusion, supports corporate social responsibility and expands community focused services |
| Sector Impact | Boosts information access in education, health and youth services; supports wider digital growth across South Sudan |
| Economic Context | Rising mobile phone use and increased demand for digital services across the country |
| Expected Outcomes | Improved public awareness, better emergency communication, enhanced learning access and stronger community engagement |