Pan-African telecoms group Liquid Telecom will implement and operate the first broadband fibre network in South Sudan to provide connectivity for the 13mn inhabitants of the East African country
Phase one of the rollout is expected to be completed before the end of 2019.
South Sudan will link to the region-wide network of Liquid Telecom, which includes the East African Community, a regional intergovernmental organisation of six partner states, the Republics of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, the United Republic of Tanzania, and the Republic of Uganda. The community connects up to 300mn people and encourages cross-border investment and trade
Strive Masiyiwa, executive chairman of Econet Global and Liquid Telecom, said, “Liquid Telecom is immensely proud to bring fibre connectivity to South Sudan for the first time.”
“This modern ICT infrastructure will help address the most pressing challenges within South Sudan, including the urgent need for peace and state-building, job creation and improved livelihoods. South Sudan’s 13mn citizens will be connected to 300mn people across the East African Community. Connecting South Sudan to the ‘One Africa’ broadband network will also champion pan-Africa trade and help build Africa’s digital future,” he added.
Salva Kiir Mayardit, president of South Sudan, commented, “The implementation of this critical fibre infrastructure is a landmark step in the delivery of affordable communications access to the people of South Sudan, the business community, government and civil society.”
“By connecting South Sudan to the global internet, this important infrastructure development will help improve social mobility, enable economic diversification and drive inclusive private sector-led growth and productive employment,” he stated.
The first phase of the agreement signed between the government of South Sudan’s National Communication Authority and Liquid Telecom will include a 300 km fibre backbone operating from the border of Uganda, through South Sudan, to Juba.
