South Sudan and World Bank Pledge Closer Cooperation for Development

(JUBA) – South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has reaffirmed its partnership with the World Bank following a high level meeting aimed at advancing the country’s reconstruction, public services and economic stability.

On Tuesday morning, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Monday K. Kumba, met with Mr. Charles Underland, the World Bank Country Representative, during a courtesy visit in Juba. The talks focused on ways to deepen collaboration in sectors critical to South Sudan’s recovery and growth.

The discussions covered support for rebuilding infrastructure, strengthening service delivery in areas such as health and education and stabilising the economy. These priorities, according to the Ministry, align with the government’s plans to create sustainable livelihoods and reduce dependence on emergency aid.

Mr. Underland expressed the World Bank’s intention to continue and expand its work in South Sudan, describing the relationship as a “committed partnership” that extends beyond single projects. He stressed that the Bank’s engagement seeks to address both immediate needs and long-term development challenges.

The meeting also reviewed an agreement that both sides said would help unlock key development initiatives. While details of the agreement were not made public, officials confirmed it would cover multiple sectors and be designed to deliver tangible benefits to citizens.

Ambassador Kumba and Mr. Underland reaffirmed their commitment to close cooperation, emphasising the importance of sustained dialogue and joint progress reporting.

They agreed that effective coordination between the government and development partners is essential for ensuring that assistance translates into measurable improvements for the population.

The World Bank has been a major development partner in South Sudan since the country’s independence, funding projects in infrastructure, agriculture, health and institutional capacity building.

Officials from both sides indicated that the strengthened cooperation could pave the way for new funding opportunities, as well as greater technical support to government institutions.

This is expected to help South Sudan move towards more sustainable development and greater economic resilience.