from ANYANG GARANG in Juba, South Sudan
South Sudan Bureau
JUBA, (CAJ News) – ALTHOUGH penetration remains relatively low, South Sudan has reported an increase of over 200 percent in mobile subscriptions over the past year.
There has been an increase of around 46 percent in internet users during the period.
Ateny Wek Ateny, the new Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Postal Services, has disclosed the figures.
He was speaking in the capital Juba late Monday at the welcoming/farewell ceremony for the incoming/outgoing ministers of the sector.
Successor to Michael Makuei Lueth, Ateny disclosed mobile phone subscriptions grew from 1,39 million in 2024 to 4,47 million this year.
Statistically, that is a rise of over 220 percent.
Internet users in the country increased from 1,3 million users to 1,9 million users during the same period, the new minister added.
“This is very significant progress,” Ateny said.
He has replaced Lueth, now the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs after a recent cabinet reshuffle by President Salva Kiir.
Ateny assured with him at the helm, the Ministry of ICT and Postal Services would prioritise rollout of infrastructure and competitiveness in the sector, in partnership with the telecommunications operators and the regulatory National Communication Authority (NCA).
“I reaffirm that the ministry, under my leadership, will champion meritocracy and professionalism. We will nurture an environment where competency is rewarded.”
“The rollout of fibre optic infrastructure is not merely an ICT ambition. It is an economic strategy,” Ateny said.
“Fibre optic networks will spark innovation, improve service delivery, support e-government services, reduce communication costs, enhance financial inclusion and open our markets to regional and global opportunities.”
Ateny concluded the ministry would prioritise the modernisation of ICT infrastructure, ensuring the sector is resilient, secure and ready for emerging technologies.
The East African nation of 12,2 million, South Sudan is the world’s newest country, after attaining independence in 2011.
Intermittent conflict, dating to 2013, has impacted the growth of the ICT sector. The oil sector remains the country’s most prominent economy, but corruption is rampant.
– CAJ News