(YAMBIO) – South Sudan’s national fibre optic network has reached Western Equatoria State, crossing Duma Crossing from Wau, with the cable expected to arrive in Tambura later this week if work continues as planned.
The expansion is set to improve internet connectivity across the state, strengthen access to information, improve public services and create new opportunities for education, healthcare, trade, investment and innovation.
Western Equatoria State Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa welcomed the progress, saying the project marks an important step in improving digital infrastructure in the state. “The fibre optic cable has reached Wau and crossed Duma Crossing into Western Equatoria State. There is good progress, and we expect it to reach Tambura this week. This project will improve internet connectivity, support businesses, strengthen government services, and open new opportunities for our people,” he said.
The Governor said the improved communications network would support development across Western Equatoria and benefit communities, businesses and public institutions.
He also praised the Government of South Sudan and other stakeholders involved in delivering the project, saying reliable high speed internet is important for economic growth, digital transformation, education, healthcare, security and investment.
He reaffirmed the Western Equatoria State Government’s commitment to supporting infrastructure projects that promote development and improve the livelihoods of people across the state.
The physical rollout follows a major step taken in June 2025, when the government’s Fibre Optic Implementation Steering Committee approved a budget of more than 9 million US dollars, equivalent to approximately 63 billion South Sudanese pounds at the current market rate of 7,000 SSP per dollar, to begin the design phase of the project.
The committee, chaired by then Deputy Minister of ICT and Postal Services David Yauyau, approved the funding while the Ministry of ICT and Postal Services prepared to award contracts for the design and installation of the national fibre network.
At the time, Telecommunications Undersecretary Thomas Gatkuoth Nyak said the approval cleared the way for the next phase of the project.
Project Coordinator Abraham Mach said contracts with selected companies and technical experts were expected to be signed in July 2025 before construction of the nationwide fibre optic infrastructure began.
The latest progress in Western Equatoria indicates that work has now moved from the planning and design stage to the physical rollout of the national network.