Western Equatoria Governor Welcomes Fiber Optic Progress

(YAMBIO) – South Sudan’s national fiber optic network has reached Western Equatoria State after crossing Duma Crossing from Wau, with the cable expected to arrive in Tambura later this week if work continues as planned.

The expansion is expected to improve internet connectivity across the state, strengthen access to information, improve public services and create new opportunities for education, healthcare, trade, investment and innovation.

Western Equatoria State Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa welcomed the progress, saying the project marks an important step in improving digital infrastructure in the state:

“The fiber optic cable has reached Wau and crossed Duma Crossing into Western Equatoria State. There is good progress, and we expect it to reach Tambura this week.

This project will improve internet connectivity, support businesses, strengthen government services, and open new opportunities for our people.”

He said the improved communications network would support development across Western Equatoria and benefit communities, businesses and public institutions.

The governor also praised the Government of South Sudan and other stakeholders involved in delivering the project, saying reliable high speed internet is important for economic growth, digital transformation, education, healthcare, security and investment.

He reaffirmed the Western Equatoria State Government’s commitment to supporting infrastructure projects that promote development and improve the livelihoods of people across the state.

Access Radio reported in June 2025 that South Sudan had taken a major step towards implementing the national fiber optic network after the government’s Fiber Optic Implementation Steering Committee approved a budget of more than US$9 million to begin the project’s design phase.

The committee, chaired by then Deputy Minister of ICT and Postal Services David Yauyau, approved the funding while the Ministry of ICT and Postal Services prepared to award contracts for the design and installation of the national fiber network.

At the time, Telecommunications Undersecretary Thomas Gatkuoth Nyak said the approval cleared the way for the next phase of the project, while Project Coordinator Abraham Mach said contracts with selected companies and technical experts were expected to be signed in July 2025 before construction of the nationwide fiber optic infrastructure began. The latest progress in Western Equatoria indicates that work has now moved from the planning and design stage to the physical rollout of the national network.