eBusiness Weekly
Business Writer
Leading Pan-African telecommunications group, Liquid Telecom, says it will soon implement and operate South Sudan’s first fibre broadband network, which will be operational before the end of the year.
The telecommunications group said it would connect South Sudan to the “One Africa” broadband network, which is approaching 70 000 kilometres across 13 African countries and to the rest of the world.
“This breakthrough foreign direct investment by Liquid Telecom has been recognised by His Excellency, Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of South Sudan,” said Liquid.
The group, which also has strong presence in Southern African countries including Zimbabwe, said its network will eventually make reliable and affordable internet connectivity available for nearly 13 million citizens in South Sudan, as well as businesses, government institutions and non-governmental organisations.
It is also believed that South Sudan will link to Liquid Telecom’s network across the region, which covers the East African Community, a regional inter-governmental organisation of six partner states on the east. The EAC connects up to 300 million people and stimulates cross-border investment and trade.
This transformative infrastructure will ultimately create a foundation for digital growth, innovation and prosperity in this young country, while supporting the government of South Sudan’s positive economic growth forecast over the next 10 years.
“Connecting South Sudan to the ‘One Africa’ broadband network will also champion pan-Africa trade and help build Africa’s digital future,” said Liquid.
By connecting South Sudan to the global internet, this important infrastructure development will help improve social mobility, enable economic diversification and drive inclusive private sector-led growth and productive employment.
