(JUBA) – The Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services has formally asked the World Bank to recruit more South Sudanese professionals into senior management roles within its projects, instead of relying heavily on foreign staff.
Deputy Minister of Information, David Yauyau, raised the issue during a meeting with a World Bank delegation on Monday. He expressed concern that many World Bank funded initiatives in South Sudan were dominated by foreign nationals, leaving limited opportunities for qualified South Sudanese to contribute at higher levels.
Yauyau emphasised that involving more local expertise would not only build national capacity but also ensure that projects respond better to the needs of South Sudanese citizens. He noted that while the World Bank has made significant investments, the benefits would be more sustainable if national professionals were included in leadership and technical decision making.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted delays in the implementation of World Bank programmes. He cited slow approval processes and late issuance of “letters of no objection” as major obstacles that have slowed down progress. According to him, the prolonged procedures have held back the timely delivery of several initiatives in the information and communication technology sector.
The World Bank is currently financing the East African Regional Digital Integration Project in South Sudan. A key part of this investment is the fibre optic cable project linking South Sudan to Kenya, expected to be rolled out early next year. Officials say the project will improve internet connectivity, strengthen digital services, and open new economic opportunities once completed.
South Sudanese authorities have stressed that the success of such major projects depends on meaningful inclusion of national talent. They argue that building local expertise through managerial and technical roles will reduce reliance on foreign staff in future projects.
The Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to working with the World Bank but insists that reforms are needed to ensure a balance between foreign expertise and local participation.
The Ministry believes that by empowering local professionals, South Sudan will be better positioned to manage and expand digital infrastructure in the long run.