South Sudan has opened talks with China to secure technical and financial support for the development of its telecommunications and broadcasting sector, as the country seeks to rebuild critical infrastructure weakened by years of conflict and underinvestment.
The discussions were initiated during a meeting in Juba between South Sudan’s Minister of Information and Communication Technology and Postal Services, Ateny Wek Ateny, and Chinese Ambassador Ma Qiang, marking another step in the deepening bilateral relationship between the two countries. Government officials indicated that broadcasting and telecommunications infrastructure would be among the first areas to benefit from the cooperation.
China has already played a visible role in South Sudan’s media landscape. In 2023, the Chinese government financed and constructed a new studio complex for the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) through a US$15 million aid package, replacing outdated facilities that had struggled with frequent breakdowns and limited transmission capacity. The new studios are intended to improve national coverage and modernize state broadcasting.
Following the latest engagement, Minister Ateny confirmed that both sides agreed to fast-track technical work and capacity building, particularly the training of South Sudanese engineers who will operate and maintain the upgraded television and broadcasting systems. According to the ministry, the improved infrastructure is expected to play a central role in disseminating information ahead of general elections scheduled for later in 2026, including voter education and election-related broadcasts.
China’s ambassador expressed confidence in the trajectory of relations between Beijing and Juba, noting that cooperation in telecommunications aligns with China’s broader engagement across Africa, where it has supported digital infrastructure, broadcasting, and connectivity projects through grants, concessional loans, and technical assistance. Similar Chinese-backed media and telecom projects have been implemented in countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, and Zambia, often focusing on broadcasting facilities, digital migration, and training.
South Sudan’s telecommunications sector remains one of the least developed in the region. According to data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), mobile and internet penetration rates in the country are among the lowest in East Africa, constrained by weak infrastructure, high operating costs, and insecurity. Years of civil war following independence in 2011 damaged networks, discouraged private investment, and limited the expansion of fiber and mobile coverage beyond major urban centers.
The government views external partnerships as essential to restoring the sector and supporting broader economic recovery. Telecommunications are seen as critical for governance, service delivery, and private sector growth, particularly as South Sudan seeks to stabilize institutions and attract investment after repeated delays to its political transition.
China’s growing footprint in South Sudan spans multiple sectors, including oil, construction, and public infrastructure, with Beijing remaining one of Juba’s most influential development partners. Officials in Juba say cooperation in ICT and broadcasting fits into a wider strategy to modernize state institutions while reducing reliance on emergency humanitarian support.
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