Government Rolls Out 10-Year Development Plan

By Simon Deng

The national Ministry of Finance and Planning has launched a 10-year development plan, dubbed the South Sudan Development Plan (SSDP), aimed at improving service delivery for the people of South Sudan.

Athian Diing Athian, the Minister of Finance and Planning, stated that the launch marks a pivotal moment in the country’s journey towards achieving resilience and sustainable development.

“The vision and purpose of the SSDP 2026-2036 go beyond being just a document; it serves as a strategic framework to turn the aspirations of the South Sudanese people into reality. Our main agenda is to enhance the lives of both current and future generations through inclusive, well-coordinated, and results-driven planning and implementation,” Athian said on Wednesday during the launch at the Ministry of Finance and Planning.

“As we launch the SSDP, we are adopting a whole-of-society approach, working hand-in-hand with government institutions at both national and sub-national levels, development partners, academia, the diaspora community, civil society, and the private sector. At the core of this collaboration will be trust and transparency,” he added.

Athian emphasised that the success of the SSDP 2026-2036 will rely on shared responsibility, noting that it will depend on the strength of partnerships with civil society and development partners.

 “The SSDP builds on lessons learned from previous government development plans, including the revised national development strategy. It will address systemic challenges while charting a new course for economic diversification and resilience,” he explained.

“We are committed to aligning our ambitious plans with practical strategies informed by our nation’s context, as well as global and regional dynamics, through inclusive and evidence-based planning,” he continued.

Ayuen Michael, the Chairperson of the Finance and Economic Committee in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, stated that the plan prioritises the development of human resources across the country.

“A nation that puts its people first lays the foundation to ensure they receive the necessary services they need; that is true development. The development of human resources is key, as people elect the government, which then becomes the manager of resources,” Michael said.

“We are ensuring that the development plan is achievable, with accurate allocation of resources to foster development. We are on track; it will guide us over the next ten years. We will give it weight as parliament, and it will serve as a tool to guide us, leading to the development of our country,” he added.

Anita Kiki Gbehu, the United Nations Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator, noted that South Sudan has seen progress in education, with an increase in literacy rates and improved health outcomes, including a decrease in maternal mortality rates.

“South Sudan’s recent voluntary national review report demonstrates some progress recorded since independence. For instance, regarding education, the adult literacy rate increased from approximately 27 per cent in 2008 to just over 34 per cent in 2023. In health, maternal mortality rates dropped from approximately 2,000 deaths per 100,000 to 1,200 deaths per 100,000 in 2022. There has also been a decrease in the HIV prevalence rate among adults from 2.5 per cent to 1.6 per cent in 2024,” Anita reported.

She revealed that South Sudan continues to face renewed challenges, including humanitarian, economic, political, and security crises, compounded by the conflict in Sudan, climate shocks, and disease outbreaks, all of which weigh heavily on the country’s stability and development prospects.

 “We believe that transitioning from a medium to a long-term, 10-year national development plan presents a unique opportunity to reset South Sudan’s development projections, ensuring that the foundations for sustainable development are firmly in place for the people,” she concluded.