By Sabri Dibaco
Government officials, regulators, internet service providers, academia, civil society organisations, innovators, and development partners gathered in Juba for the South Sudan Internet Governance Forum (SS-IGF) 2026.
A national platform aimed at shaping the country’s digital future through inclusive dialogue and collaboration.
Held under the theme of strengthening digital governance, the forum provided stakeholders with an opportunity to deliberate on key issues affecting South Sudan’s digital ecosystem, including internet accessibility, cybersecurity, digital rights, innovation, policy development, and the role of emerging technologies in national development.
Opening the forum, the undersecretary in the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services, Thomas Gatkuoth Nyak, said digital transformation has become a national priority and called for stronger cooperation among all stakeholders to build an inclusive and secure digital society.
“The future of South Sudan depends on how effectively we embrace digital technologies to improve governance, service delivery, education, healthcare, and economic development. Internet governance is no longer a technical issue alone; it is a national development agenda that requires collaboration from government, the private sector, academia, civil society, and our development partners,” Gatkuoth said.
He noted that the government remains committed to creating enabling policies that promote affordable internet access, innovation, digital inclusion, and the protection of citizens online.
“As a government, we are committed to creating a digital environment that is open, secure, accessible, and beneficial to every South Sudanese. Forums such as SS-IGF are important because they ensure every stakeholder has a voice in shaping our digital future,” Gatkuoth added.
The Director General of the National Communication Authority (NCA), Rizig Dominic Samuel, reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to expanding internet access while promoting a secure and resilient digital ecosystem.
“The National Communication Authority continues to work with operators, policymakers, and international partners to improve internet infrastructure, strengthen cybersecurity, and promote responsible use of digital technologies,” Rizig said.
The NCA director general added that internet governance requires collective responsibility and continuous dialogue.
“Digital transformation is moving rapidly across the world. South Sudan must not be left behind. We need sound policies, strong institutions, investment in infrastructure, and collaboration among all stakeholders to build a trusted digital economy,” Rizig added.
Participants discussed a wide range of issues including digital infrastructure development, internet affordability, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, online safety, data protection, digital literacy, youth innovation, and the need for policies that encourage investment in the ICT sector.
The forum concluded with a renewed commitment among stakeholders to continue working together in promoting an open, inclusive, and secure internet that supports sustainable development and economic growth in South Sudan.
The South Sudan Internet Governance Forum (SS-IGF) is part of the global Internet Governance Forum process established by the United Nations following the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).
The national forum serves as a platform where government institutions, regulators, internet service providers, academia, civil society, the private sector, and development partners discuss public policy issues related to the internet and digital technologies.
As South Sudan advances its digital transformation agenda, internet governance has become increasingly important in addressing challenges such as limited connectivity, digital inclusion, cybersecurity, online rights, and innovation.
The outcomes of the SS-IGF are expected to contribute to national ICT policy discussions and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders working to expand access to digital services across the country.