The African Development Bank Group has approved an extension of its Interim Country Strategy Paper for South Sudan through 2027, reaffirming its commitment to supporting peace, stability, and economic recovery in one of Africa’s most fragile contexts. The extension comes as South Sudan continues to face significant challenges, including ongoing conflict, climate shocks, and limited infrastructure, all of which restrict access to basic services and hinder development progress. Despite these obstacles, the country has made strides toward political transition, institutional reform, and economic stabilization, and the extended strategy is designed to reinforce and sustain this momentum.
The updated strategy focuses on two central priorities essential to South Sudan’s recovery: investment in critical infrastructure to enhance service delivery and support agricultural transformation, and strengthening core state institutions to improve economic management, public financial governance, and coordination with development partners. In infrastructure, the Bank plans continued investment in transport networks, energy access, and water systems. These projects aim to connect communities to markets, reduce isolation, enhance access to clean water and reliable power, and support rural development. Improved infrastructure is also expected to boost agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, and create livelihoods in conflict-affected and displaced communities.
Institutional capacity building is the second key priority, with the strategy supporting the development of a more efficient and transparent public sector. This includes continued assistance in public financial management, debt oversight, governance, planning systems, and coordination across government ministries. By improving institutional performance, South Sudan will be better positioned to manage resources, deliver public services effectively, and attract external investment, contributing to longer-term stability and economic growth.
The strategy also emphasizes resilience in the face of climate shocks, particularly floods, which continue to disrupt communities and damage infrastructure. Investments guided by climate-informed planning aim to protect communities from future disruptions, reduce humanitarian needs, and support sustainable development. By integrating resilience measures into recovery efforts, the Bank seeks to enhance both immediate safety and long-term development prospects.
The expected outcomes of the extended strategy include improved transport access for vulnerable communities, more reliable water supply, strengthened governance practices, and a more stable environment for economic activity. These gains are designed to support peacebuilding, expand economic opportunities, and reinforce social cohesion, creating conditions for a more peaceful and prosperous South Sudan. As the Bank’s outgoing Country Manager, Themba Bhebhe, noted, the extension ensures that vital support continues to flow to communities in need, laying the groundwork for recovery today and sustained progress in the future.
