Government, MTN Partner on ICT Access for IDPs

(Juba) – On 23 June 2025, the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services of South Sudan, together with MTN South Sudan, officially handed over a fully equipped ICT Hub at the Mangateen Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Juba. The event was led by Deputy Minister Hon. David Yau Yau Jankuchi and attended by senior government and MTN officials.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Deputy Minister Yau Yau described the launch as a “significant moment” and praised the initiative as a strong example of public-private partnership aimed at national development. He expressed gratitude to MTN for its investment in supporting vulnerable populations, especially during difficult times.

The ICT Hub is designed to provide access to modern information and communication tools for displaced people in the Mangateen Camp. It includes computers, solar-powered electricity, and internet connectivity, which are expected to support education, digital literacy, and access to online services. MTN also donated 50 smartphones to households in the camp, offering an additional communication lifeline to families.

According to the Deputy Minister, the facility is not just a building with computers, but a “beacon of hope and opportunity.” He emphasized that digital access is no longer a luxury, but a fundamental right in today’s connected world. For residents of Mangateen, the new hub represents access to knowledge, skills development, and opportunities for economic empowerment.

The speech acknowledged the specific challenges faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) in South Sudan and highlighted that placing a tech hub within an IDP camp shows a deep understanding of the urgent needs of such communities. The government expressed confidence that this hub will help close the digital divide and promote community growth.

The Deputy Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting similar efforts in the future. He noted that collaboration between government and private companies like MTN is key to advancing the country’s long-term development goals. The Ministry envisions that such ICT hubs will become innovation and training centers, offering vocational education, digital services, and access to the broader economy.