By Lodu William Odiya
National Communication Authority (NCA) has reported a huge internet usage in the country, rising from twelve to fifteen percent.
According to NCA, South Sudan’s ICT landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation, since its inception.
Highlighting the move from copper-wired poles and basic telephone exchanges before independence, to wireless transmitters and fibre optic networks, this led to millions of internet users today.
Early this year, South Sudan’s internet penetration soared to 15.7 percent (1.9 million users) and mobile users rose to 4.47 million.
According to NCA, out of an estimated population of 12 million, South Sudan had 1.9 million internet users and over 4.4 million mobile phone users as of early 2025.
NCA underlined that in March this year, the Bank of South Sudan had launched the National Instant payment system and by June, a $9Million was approved for designing the national fibre network to strengthen internet service in the country.
Meanwhile, in 2024, internet penetration was recorded at 12.1% (1.36 million users), while mobile users stood at 3.9 million.
The rise comes after government launched the National Broadband Roadmap and Digital Government Strategy, as well as the entry of Starlink into the South Sudanese market last year.
Other factors such as the younger generation increasingly purchasing mobile phones, might have also contributed to the growth of both mobile and internet users.
Before 2011, South Sudan’s ICT sector was under Sudan’s control with minimal development and the MNO’s serving the region were Vivacell, Gemtel, Zain and MTN which operated under regional license granted by the Sudanese regulatory Authority.
The South Sudan ICT sector is experiencing growth and development, with increasing mobile network connectivity and a focus on integrating digital technologies across various sectors.