Gov’t, MTN Launch National E-Learning Platform to Expand Access to Education
By Kidega Livingstone
The Government of South Sudan, in partnership with MTN South Sudan and Educare Organization South Sudan, on Monday launched the Junub Academy National E-Learning Platform, a digital initiative aimed at expanding access to quality learning nationwide.
Launched through the Ministry of General Education and Instruction and the Ministry of ICT and Postal Services, the platform provides curriculum-based educational content, digital literacy resources, teacher training materials, and skills-development opportunities, particularly for learners in remote and underserved communities.
Speaking during the launch in Juba, the Minister of General Education and Instruction, Kuyok Abol Kuyok, said the initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to modernizing the education sector through technology.
He added that the partnership will support the country’s free education policy by making digital learning resources available to learners and teachers nationwide.
“The introduction of this platform is an important step towards improving the quality of education and ensuring that every learner, regardless of location, has access to educational materials,” Kuyok said.
MTN South Sudan Chief Executive Officer Mapula Bodibe reaffirmed the telecommunications company’s commitment to using technology to empower communities.
“Education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and nations,” Bodibe said. “As MTN South Sudan, we are proud to play our part in building a more connected, inclusive, and digitally empowered society.”
She described the launch as a significant milestone in South Sudan’s digital transformation, noting that integrating education with telecommunications services will make learning accessible to thousands of students and educators.
As part of the initiative, MTN South Sudan has zero-rated the Junub Academy platform, allowing users on its network to access educational content without incurring mobile data charges. The move removes a major barrier to online learning by making digital education free for MTN subscribers.
The initiative aligns with the government’s Free Education Policy and the General Education Sector Plan 2023–2027, which seeks to improve equitable access to quality, inclusive education. It also supports national priorities on digital inclusion, innovation, youth skills development, and socio-economic growth.
Junub Academy will serve as a national digital learning hub, equipping students, teachers, and youth with the digital skills needed to compete in a technology-driven world.
The launch comes as South Sudan continues to invest in digital education to overcome challenges such as teacher shortages, limited learning materials, and unequal access to education in rural communities. Recent efforts have also focused on strengthening teachers’ digital skills and expanding mobile learning across the country.
