South Sudan Allocates Over $9 Billion for National Fiber-Optic Backbone and Digital Governance
South Sudan has approved a budget exceeding $9 billion for the construction of a national fiber-optic backbone, with construction of 2,400 kilometers of fiber set to begin in December 2025. This initiative is part of a broader digital transformation agenda aimed at enhancing governance and accountability through a newly established supervisory committee for gateway services and national data centers.
The government seeks to improve the country's low ranking on the UN E-Government Development Index, where it is currently second to last, and to stimulate economic growth and innovation. A recent World Bank study highlighted challenges in the digital economy, including high internet costs and limited access, which hinder private investment. The ICT minister also announced initiatives to reduce internet access costs as part of these efforts.
