Gov’t, partners launch media project to enhance information accessibility

By Matik Kueth

The Ministry of Information, Communication, Technology, and Postal Services, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), launched a transformative project on Tuesday aimed at strengthening mass media and enhancing access to information in South Sudan, particularly during elections and the post-elections.

The two-year project, funded by the Japanese government with USD $2 million, running from 2024 to 2026, and fully implemented by UNESCO, seeks to enhance civic education and information access for South Sudanese citizens through three pivotal components: infrastructure development, training, and the establishment of community radio stations.

Speaking at the launch, Michael Makuei, Minister of Information, Communication, and Postal Services, hailed the initiative as a milestone, emphasizing its significance not only for elections but also for overall development.

“This project is not only for elections. It is actually development of the information sector and the media authority, and the media houses in the Republic of South Sudan. It is not only meant for these elections, but it is actually development. With or without elections, this project must continue. We appreciate the government of Japan, we appreciate JICA and UNESCO, and we assure them that we will make sure that this project is implemented successfully without any obstruction.” Said Makuei

The project also aims to enhance information access by rebuilding SSBC Malakal Radio, upgrading SSBC Wau Radio, University of Juba Radio and establishing community radios while supporting planning visits for SSBC managers and State Director-Generals for information.

Odagiri Toshio, Ambassador of Japan to South Sudan, confirmed the project’s broader goals, stating that, “We are confident that this project will contribute to South Sudan’s ongoing peace-building efforts, strengthen democracy, and promote sustainable development. I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to UNESCO, the Ministry of Information, Communication, Technology, and Postal Services, and all the partners who have been so committed to these initiatives. I sincerely hope that our fruitful cooperation will lead to the success of this project and bring a peaceful and prosperous future to the people of South Sudan.”   

He underscored the project’s dual focus on civic education and infrastructure enhancement.

However, Tanaka Hiroyuki, Chief Representative of JICA in South Sudan, highlighted the project’s commitment to addressing the information needs of the South Sudanese people, particularly in the States.

“JICA believes that a vibrant and responsible media landscape plays a vital role in promoting understanding, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence and overall access to information,” Hiroyuki stated, reaffirming a collaborative approach with UNESCO and the Ministry of Information.

Meanwhile, Julius Banda, UNESCO Country Representative for South Sudan, expressed confidence in the project’s impact.

“And I’m sure that through this project, we are going to transform those areas in terms of communication, in terms of the information, and in terms of the general feel of the studios. When the colleagues that work in those stations go back to work and have a better working environment, I’m sure that it will be very transformative,” he emphasized.

This substantial initiative will be implemented in six states: Central Equatoria, Lakes, Upper Nile, Unity State, Warrap, Western Bahr El Ghazal, and three administrative areas: Ruweng, Pibor, and Abyei.

As South Sudan persists on this path to improve its information sector, the Ministry, JICA, and UNESCO’s collaborative efforts offer a future in which access to reliable information is no longer a privilege, but rather a fundamental right for all citizens.