By Alan Clement
South Sudan’s National Communication Authority (NCA) is making its presence felt at the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC‑25), where officials and youth envoys press for affordable, inclusive connectivity to shape the nation’s digital future.
The conference, convened by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) under the theme “Universal, meaningful and affordable connectivity for an inclusive and sustainable digital future”, has drawn global tech leaders, regulators, policymakers, and innovators to Baku, Azerbaijan.
South Sudan’s delegation includes high-level officials alongside ITU Youth Envoy representatives, who are engaging in intercultural and intergenerational sessions to expand networks in the ICT sector and beyond.
South Sudan’s participation at WTDC‑25 underscores our commitment to bridging the digital divide,” the NCA Communications Department noted in a statement.
“The NCA emphasized that affordable digital access is central to South Sudan’s development agenda.
“We are determined to ensure that connectivity becomes a driver of inclusion, innovation, and sustainable development for our people,” the statement added.
WTDC-25 discussions place particular emphasis on the challenges faced by Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs).
South Sudan, which falls into both categories, continues to grapple with limited infrastructure, high costs of internet access, and uneven digital literacy.
These barriers have slowed the country’s integration into the global digital economy.
By joining the dialogue, South Sudan’s delegation aims to secure partnerships and policy support that can accelerate investment in broadband expansion, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and empower youth-led innovation.
The World Telecommunication Development Conference, held every four years, serves as the ITU’s main platform for setting priorities in global digital development.
It brings together governments, private sector leaders, and civil society to craft strategies that ensure no one is left behind in the digital age.
The 2025 edition in Baku is particularly focused on affordability and meaningful connectivity, recognizing that access alone is not enough without quality, relevance, and inclusivity.
For South Sudan, the stakes are high as expanding affordable connectivity is seen as essential for education, healthcare delivery, financial inclusion, and governance reforms.
Youth participation at WTDC-25 highlights the country’s growing recognition that digital empowerment must be intergenerational, tapping into the creativity and resilience of young innovators.
As the conference progresses, South Sudan’s delegation is expected to advocate for targeted support to overcome the structural challenges of landlocked nations and to position connectivity as a cornerstone of sustainable development.