Data Free Junub Academy Brings AI Supported Education to South Sudan

(JUBA) – A new national digital learning platform that offers free educational content without internet data charges was launched in South Sudan on Sunday.

The Junub Academy National E-Learning Platform was developed by MTN South Sudan together with Educare Organization South Sudan, the Ministry of General Education and Instruction, and the Ministry of ICT and Postal Services.

It is designed to provide curriculum based learning materials, digital literacy resources, teacher development tools, and skills building programmes for students, teachers, and young people across the country.

The platform has been zero rated on the MTN network, meaning users can access all learning resources without paying for internet data. This is meant to remove the barrier of connectivity costs and make digital education available to more people, especially those in communities with limited services.

The initiative supports the government’s Free Education Policy and fits within the General Education Sector Plan covering 2023 to 2027. That plan aims to widen fair access to quality and inclusive education. The platform also feeds into wider national goals around digital inclusion, innovation, skills growth, and economic development.

MTN South Sudan Chief Executive Officer Mapula Bodibe said education is one of the strongest tools for changing lives and nations. She said investing in education means investing in economic growth, innovation, peace, and prosperity. She described the platform as a national investment in people, a commitment to making sure learners and educators can reach quality content, digital skills, and capacity building resources.

The platform carries school materials matched to the national curriculum, teacher development resources, digital skills training, and educational content supported by artificial intelligence. These resources can be reached from any location.

The Minister of General Education and Instruction said the government’s plan is to build a joined up national system where Junub Academy provides free digital learning over the MTN network while other infrastructure delivers an offline pathway.

The minister said learners or teachers with an MTN line can now use approved educational content on Junub Academy and the ministry’s website without paying anything in data charges, making access to knowledge both affordable and fair.

The launch gathered government officials, development partners, diplomatic missions, private sector representatives, education stakeholders, and journalists to mark the step and discuss the future of digital learning, connectivity, innovation, and technology supported education in South Sudan.

MTN South Sudan said through partnerships and new technology it remains committed to helping every South Sudanese learner access opportunities that unlock their full potential.