Digital Landscape of South Sudan in 2024: Challenges and Opportunities for Growth

As we move deeper into the digital age, internet access and connectivity are no longer luxuries but necessities for economic growth, education, and social inclusion. In South Sudan, a young nation with vast potential, digital adoption remains in its early stages. However, the insights from DataReportal's Digital 2024 report reveal both significant challenges and remarkable opportunities for the country’s digital future.

Internet Usage in South Sudan: A Snapshot

As of January 2024, South Sudan has a population of approximately 11.18 million people, with a modest growth of 1.7% (+184,000) since early 2023. Yet, only 12.1% of the population (1.36 million people) have access to the internet, leaving 87.9% (9.82 million people) offline. While this penetration rate is among the lowest globally, the number of internet users has grown by 1.7% (+22,000) over the past year.

This data highlights the pressing need for digital infrastructure and affordable internet services to bridge the connectivity gap.

Social Media Adoption: A Growing Trend

South Sudan's social media engagement, though still limited, is expanding rapidly. The country recorded 739,000 active social media users, representing 6.6% of the population. This marks a staggering year-over-year growth of 61.5% (+281,000 users).

Interestingly, the gender distribution of social media users shows a significant imbalance:

• 71.5% are male
• 28.5% are female

This indicates an opportunity to empower more women to access and benefit from digital platforms.

Mobile Connectivity: A Key to Digital Growth

Mobile connectivity offers a more promising picture, with 3.97 million active cellular mobile connections—approximately 35.5% of the population. While this is significantly higher than internet penetration, it still leaves a substantial portion of the population without mobile access.

Expanding mobile connectivity is a vital first step toward broader internet access, especially in rural areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking.

Opportunities for South Sudan

The statistics from the DataReportal report highlight key areas where South Sudan can focus its efforts to accelerate digital growth:

1. Build Digital Infrastructure

Investing in broadband infrastructure and expanding mobile networks is essential. Partnerships with global telecom companies and development organizations can help reduce costs and improve accessibility.

2. Promote Affordable Internet

Affordability is a critical barrier to internet adoption. Policies that reduce data costs and increase competition among service providers can make the internet accessible to more people.

3. Empower Women in Digital Spaces

With women making up 50.4% of the population but only a small fraction of internet and social media users, targeted programs are needed to bridge the gender gap. Digital literacy initiatives for women and girls can promote equality and boost economic participation.

4. Leverage Mobile Technology

Since mobile phone penetration is higher than internet access, mobile-first solutions like mobile banking, e-learning apps, and agricultural tools can drive inclusion and development.

5. Focus on Rural Areas

With 78.6% of South Sudan’s population living in rural areas, bridging the urban-rural divide is crucial. Satellite internet and community networks can extend connectivity to underserved regions.

6. Foster Digital Skills

Digital adoption requires a digitally literate population. Training programs for youth, entrepreneurs, and businesses can enhance productivity and innovation.

Challenges to Address

While the opportunities are clear, South Sudan faces several challenges in its digital transformation journey:

• High Costs: Internet and mobile services remain expensive for most citizens.
• Limited Infrastructure: Many areas lack reliable power and connectivity.
• Urban-Rural Divide: Rural communities are often left behind in digital inclusion efforts.
• Low Awareness: Many citizens are unaware of the benefits of internet access and digital tools.

The Role of Technology Companies Like Nilotik

As a leading digital transformation agency in South Sudan, Nilotik is uniquely positioned to address these challenges. Through services like digital marketing, technology consulting, and digital literacy programs, we aim to bridge the gap and empower South Sudanese businesses and communities.

• Empowering Businesses: We help local companies create online presences, use digital tools, and reach broader audiences.
• Enhancing Education: By promoting e-learning and digital skill development, we support the next generation of innovators.
• Driving Connectivity: Through partnerships and community projects, we advocate for affordable, inclusive internet access.

Looking Ahead

The rapid growth in social media users and the steady rise in internet connectivity are promising signs of South Sudan’s digital potential. However, realizing this potential requires collective efforts from the government, private sector, and development partners.

Technology is more than a tool—it’s a bridge to opportunity, equality, and progress. Together, we can ensure that every South Sudanese benefits from the digital revolution.

Reference

• Digital 2024: South Sudan — DataReportal