By Sabri Dibaco
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), has handed over laptop computers to key government institutions in South Sudan to enhance evidence-based policymaking, economic governance, and public accountability.
In a press statement from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), 30 laptops were delivered to the Committee for Finance and Planning of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) and the Parliamentary Research Centre, 22 laptops to the Ministry of Finance and Planning, and 20 laptops to the Bank of South Sudan.
The support aims to strengthen the capacity of national institutions to generate, analyse, manage, and utilise data and information for policymaking, economic planning, research, and oversight.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Ligane Sene, UNDP Senior Economic Advisor for South Sudan and Eritrea, said the initiative represents a long-term investment in stronger institutions and improved governance.
“Today’s handover reflects our shared commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and improving economic governance in South Sudan. This support is not simply about providing equipment; it is an investment in stronger institutions, better data systems, and more effective decision-making that will contribute to sustainable development and improved service delivery for the people of South Sudan,” the statement reads.
According to UNDP, the ICT equipment will help the Committee for Finance and Planning and the Parliamentary Research Centre improve access to legislative and policy information, strengthen budget analysis and oversight, enhance evidence-based lawmaking, and improve digital documentation and archiving.
“At the Ministry of Finance and Planning, the equipment will support technical staff engaged in national development planning, economic policy analysis, public investment planning, and monitoring economic reforms. Meanwhile, the Bank of South Sudan will use the equipment to strengthen its research and statistics departments in data management, economic forecasting, and evidence-based monetary and financial policy formulation,” the statement reads.
Representing the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Director General for Sectoral Planning John Garang Awan welcomed the support and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working closely with UNDP.
“The ministry appreciates the partnership and support from UNDP through the ICT equipment and capacity-building activities. We remain committed to working with UNDP,” the statement reads.
Receiving the equipment on behalf of the Bank of South Sudan, Charles Abugo expressed gratitude for the contribution, saying it would enhance the institution’s operations.
“I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to UNDP for your generous support and connecting us with these resources that will help us to enhance our work,” the statement reads.
Nyiboul Ajong’o, a member of the TNLA Committee for Finance and Planning, emphasised the importance of investing in people and institutional capacity.
“Every country needs human capital and capacity building because no matter how rich they are in resources, you still need the people. I have personally benefited from UNDP’s learning opportunities. Thank you, UNDP, for always supporting us,” the statement reads.
UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Government of South Sudan in building capable, accountable, and resilient institutions that can effectively deliver on national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The agency also thanked the African Development Bank and other development partners for their continued support in advancing economic governance reforms and institutional strengthening across South Sudan.