The Japanese government has approved a $2.5 million media development project in South Sudan, which will be implemented by UNESCO and the Ministry of Information, with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
This initiative, designed to bolster South Sudan’s media capacity, will improve access to information in preparation for the country’s 2026 general elections.
Japanese Ambassador to South Sudan, Odagiri Toshio, expressed pride in his country’s contribution to the project, noting that it reflects Japan’s ongoing commitment to supporting democratic governance, freedom of expression, and access to information in South Sudan.
“I am proud of Japan’s financial contribution to this project, which is being implemented jointly by UNESCO and JICA, with the strong leadership and commitment from the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services,” Ambassador Odagiri said.
He further stressed the importance of South Sudan’s efforts in addressing key electoral challenges, including securing funding for crucial institutions like the National Elections Commission (NEC), the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC), and the Political Parties Council (PPC). Additionally, he called for the establishment of a unified security force to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
The project aims to strengthen South Sudan’s mass media infrastructure by establishing an autonomous public broadcaster and enhancing journalists’ understanding of the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation Act of 2013. Furthermore, it will provide journalists with the skills needed for effective election coverage.
Michael Makuei Lueth, the Minister of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services, thanked the Government of Japan, JICA, and UNESCO for their support, assuring that the project would be implemented smoothly.
“We greatly appreciate the Government of Japan, JICA, and UNESCO for this important initiative. We are committed to ensuring its successful implementation without any hindrances,” Minister Lueth said.
The initiative will include training for journalists in preparation for the 2026 elections, strengthening the information sector, and supporting the development of media houses across South Sudan.
UNESCO Country Representative, Julius Banda, emphasized the need for improved broadcasting infrastructure in underserved regions, particularly Malakal and Yambio, which he identified as areas requiring urgent attention to enhance media functionality and communication outreach.
The project’s launch event was attended by state ministers of information from across South Sudan, including representatives from Bahr el Ghazal, Upper Nile, and Terekeka County in Central Equatoria State.
This initiative represents a major step forward in enhancing South Sudan’s media landscape, ensuring that citizens have access to reliable, timely, and accurate information as the country prepares for its first general elections since gaining independence.
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