South Sudan Wants More Nationals in World Bank Projects

(JUBA) – The Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services has formally asked the World Bank to increase the recruitment of South Sudanese nationals in senior positions within its projects in the country.

The Ministry said most projects are heavily staffed with foreign nationals, leaving local professionals with limited opportunities.

Deputy Minister of Information David Yauyau raised the concern during a meeting with a World Bank team in Juba on Monday, where discussions centred on the implementation of the East African Regional Digital Integration Project.

He emphasised that South Sudanese professionals are capable of holding leadership and technical positions and should not be sidelined in favour of foreign experts.

Mr Yauyau also expressed frustration over delays in the approval of World Bank projects in South Sudan. He highlighted what he described as a slow process of issuing “letters of no objection,” which are required before projects can move forward. According to him, these delays have slowed down progress in critical areas of national development.

The World Bank is currently funding the fibre optic cable project linking South Sudan with Kenya. The infrastructure, once completed, is expected to enhance connectivity and strengthen digital integration within the East African region. The cable is scheduled to be laid down early next year.

Many development programmes across Africa have long faced criticism for being too dependent on foreign expertise, often limiting skills transfer to local populations.

The Ministry’s request also aligns with government policy aimed at empowering nationals and building capacity in information technology and communications, a sector seen as vital for future economic growth and regional integration.

Points Raised by Deputy Minister Yauyau