MTN South Sudan Launches Shabab Nation to Empower Youth
By Kidega Livingstone
MTN South Sudan has launched MTN Shabab Nation, a youth-focused community and lifestyle ecosystem aimed at empowering, connecting, and inspiring young people aged between 15 and 25 years across the country.
The initiative was unveiled on International Youth Day at Nyakuron Cultural Centre in Juba under the theme “Young, Bold and Unstoppable.” According to MTN officials, Shabab Nation is the first platform of its kind in South Sudan, designed to provide young people with opportunities to learn, create, innovate, connect and develop their talents.
Speaking during the launch, MTN South Sudan Chief Executive Officer Mapula Bodibe said the company believes that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life and that young people are central to the country’s future.
“Through MTN Shabab Nation, we are making a long-term commitment to the young people of South Sudan. This is not simply about data bundles or telecommunications. It is about creating a platform that empowers young people to learn, create, connect, grow their talents and pursue their ambitions,” Bodibe said.
She added that the initiative recognizes youth as the driving force behind South Sudan’s development and seeks to provide them with the digital tools and opportunities needed to succeed.
“On International Youth Day, we proudly launched a movement that recognizes youth as the driving force behind South Sudan’s future,” she said.
MTN South Sudan Chief Marketing Officer Henry Njoroge described the launch as a reflection of the company’s commitment to supporting young South Sudanese in their personal and professional growth.
“We have listened to what young people want and how we can provide them with more value and opportunities. The launch of Shabab Nation reflects our belief that the future of South Sudan belongs to its youth, and MTN is here to help power that future,” Njoroge said.
He noted that feedback from young customers played a key role in shaping the initiative, including the introduction of improved data offers to address concerns over internet affordability and access.
Through Shabab Nation, MTN plans to offer affordable data packages, digital learning opportunities, entertainment, talent development programs, youth-focused events and other lifestyle benefits aimed at helping young people maximize the opportunities available in the digital age.
Central Equatoria State Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Bush Buse welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that responds to the needs of young people.
“This is an excellent offer because youth have been complaining about high internet bundle costs for a very long time. Access to affordable internet will help them improve their knowledge, develop their skills and expand their opportunities,” Buse said.
He encouraged young people to use the internet productively, particularly for education, innovation, music, comedy, entrepreneurship and reading.
MTN South Sudan, one of the country’s leading telecommunications companies, has continued to invest in digital inclusion, network expansion and youth empowerment programs as part of its commitment to enabling the benefits of a connected and digital future for all South Sudanese.
