South Sudan seeks to expand learning opportunities: Launching its first national digital education platform

Ahmed Salem

Today, Junub Academy, a national digital education platform, was officially launched in partnership between MTN South Sudan, Educare South Sudan, and the Ministry of General Education and Guidance, with the aim of expanding access to quality education and developing digital skills across the country.

The Academy’s Chairman of the Board, Paul Ating, said the platform represents a strategic step towards enabling young people and students to learn anytime and anywhere using digital technologies, contributing to preparing a generation capable of competing in the digital economy, and promoting entrepreneurship and innovation.

Partnership with Educare South Sudan

He explained that the academy was established in partnership between EducAre South Sudan and the business arm of the University of Juba, expressing his gratitude to MTN South Sudan, the Ministry of General Education and Guidance, the National Telecommunications Authority, the World Bank, and development partners for their support in making this initiative a success.

For her part, MTN South Sudan CEO, Mabula Victoria Bodibe, confirmed that “South Academy” is a national digital education platform aimed at improving access to high-quality education across South Sudan.

She added that the platform provides students, teachers and local communities with free access to educational content, digital skills and learning resources, noting that MTN has made the use of the platform free in terms of internet data consumption (Zero-Rated), allowing its network subscribers to benefit from its services without any data charges.

She explained that the initiative supports the free education policy implemented by the Government of South Sudan and the strategic plan for the public education sector (2023–2027), and contributes to addressing educational challenges such as long distances, weak infrastructure, and insecurity, by employing digital technology to deliver education to all citizens.

Expanding telecommunications services in the country

During the ceremony, MTN South Sudan renewed its commitment to expanding telecommunications services in the country, noting that its network currently covers about 85% of South Sudanese territory, while its 4G network coverage is about 75%, with plans to achieve comprehensive coverage in the coming years.

For his part, the Minister of General Education and Guidance, Dr. Koyok Abol Koyok, affirmed that celebrating the launch of the platform represents an important achievement in expanding access to education, but he stressed that digital education alone is not enough, calling for continued work to address the challenges facing the education sector.

The minister noted that the ministry, with the support of UNICEF, the Global Partnership for Education, and development partners, is continuing its efforts to develop digital education, in addition to addressing the problems of textbook shortages, weak electricity, limited internet access, and a lack of qualified teachers, as well as the effects of conflicts, displacement, and economic conditions.

He explained that the ministry is working to empower teachers through digital training programs and modern educational tools that help them prepare lessons, develop content, and improve teaching methods. It is also leading a new approach to distance education via mobile devices using local artificial intelligence technologies that work without the need for a constant internet connection, ensuring that educational resources reach schools and remote communities.

The minister stressed that this approach will contribute to building a more inclusive and resilient education system that ensures access to quality education for every child and every teacher in South Sudan, regardless of their location.

The partners described the launch of the “South Academy” as a strategic investment in the country’s future, stressing that education and digital innovation are two essential pillars for achieving national development, promoting economic growth, and providing better opportunities for future generations.