The Winter Edition 2024 of FIN Magazine offers an in-depth look into South Sudan’s ongoing transformation as Africa’s youngest nation works toward peace, economic recovery, institutional strengthening, and long-term development.
This special edition highlights the government’s efforts, development partner interventions, and investment opportunities shaping the country’s future.
Key Focus: From Oil to Human Capital Development
The edition opens with a powerful analysis of President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s mandate to shift South Sudan from oil dependency toward sustainable human capital development.
Despite years of conflict, displacement, and fragile institutions, the report emphasizes:
- The need for quality education, technical skills, and a literate workforce
- The importance of peace, political stability, and a strong macroeconomic foundation
- Harnessing South Sudan’s rich natural resources — oil, minerals, fertile land, forests, water bodies, and hydropower potential
- Reducing brain drain by improving local conditions for skilled professionals
Rebuilding a Nation: President Kiir’s Imprints
FIN reviews President Kiir’s leadership across:
- Peace negotiations, including implementation of ceasefire agreements
- Oil revenue management and transparency reforms
- Infrastructure development, such as Juba-Nimule Highway and renewable energy projects
- Healthcare improvements, water systems, and rural access initiatives
- Regional diplomacy, especially with neighboring East African states
Though challenges remain, the edition underscores his administration’s efforts to build a functioning state and stabilize the economy.
Economic Outlook: World Bank South Sudan Economic Monitor
The World Bank reports:
- A 0.4% contraction in FY23, with a gradual rebound expected
- Non-oil sector growth projected at 6%, driven by credit expansion and public spending
- Continued threats from flooding, inflation, and global shocks
- A strong call for investment in education, health, and social protection
- An urgent need to reduce South Sudan’s 70% illiteracy rate and strengthen human capital
Major Development Highlights Featured in the Magazine
1. $11.3M UNESCO & AfDB TVET Agreement
A tripartite agreement to strengthen technical and vocational training, build workforce capacity, and support value-chain development across key ministries.
2. USAID’s Financial Resilience & Agriculture Support
- Village savings groups that have saved over $13,550
- Over 13,000 farmers supported with tools and climate-resilient seeds
- Honey and shea butter value-chains for women and youth
- Training programs reaching 30,000 people, mostly young people and women
3. Germany’s €20M Resilience Support
Funds channelled to UNICEF & WFP for:
- School meals
- Teacher training
- Water and sanitation systems
- Nutrition support for vulnerable families
4. Energy Transition: Oil as Catalyst
The Petroleum Minister explains how South Sudan aims to use oil revenues to drive:
- Renewable energy investment
- Electrification
- Climate-resilient infrastructure
5. South Sudan Oil & Power Summit 2024
A major international gathering attracting global investors, oil companies, government leaders, and regional stakeholders.
6. Regional Integration with Kenya
Commitments include:
- Fiber-optic connectivity between Eldoret and Juba
- Corridor road projects
- Trade expansion through LAPSSET
- Support for de-escalation in Sudan
7. Egypt’s Support for Solar Stations
Egypt funds the construction of 20 solar-powered stations to strengthen electricity access and sustainable energy development.
8. Waste Management Reform in Juba
A detailed proposal for stricter waste regulations, penalties, sanitation facilities, and city-wide environmental reforms.
9. South Sudan–Russia Cooperation
Presidents Kiir and Putin agree to deepen collaboration in:
- Energy
- Security
- Agriculture
- Trade and mining
10. Health: Fight Against Neglected Tropical Diseases
Over 17 million people treated since 2021 for NTDs like bilharzia, river blindness, and intestinal worms — with WHO support.
11. Social Safety Nets Transforming Lives
The World Bank–funded SSSNP:
- Provided $23.5M to 65,045 households
- Reached 423,051 people (52% female)
- Improved nutrition, education, and community projects
- Supported agricultural production of over 1,300 tons of food
