GSMA Africa and National Communication Authority convene workshop on digital solutions for humanitarian response in South Sudan

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

GSMA Africa, in partnership with the National Communication Authority, has convened a validation workshop focused on mobile and digital solutions for humanitarian response in South Sudan, bringing together a broad range of stakeholders from across the public and private sectors.

The workshop gathered representatives from telecommunications companies, financial institutions, international development partners, humanitarian organisations, and academic institutions to explore how digital technologies can enhance the delivery of aid and support to vulnerable populations. Participants included mobile network operators, fintech firms, multilateral organisations, and government agencies involved in humanitarian and disaster management.

Discussions during the workshop centred on addressing key challenges such as digital literacy gaps, limited connectivity, and infrastructure constraints, while identifying practical solutions to improve access to humanitarian assistance. Stakeholders highlighted the growing role of mobile money and digital financial services in enabling timely, secure, and transparent cash transfers to those in need.

Presentations delivered by GSMA, the National Communication Authority, and IMPACT Initiatives outlined priority areas for advancing digital humanitarian response, including strengthening infrastructure, improving affordability, and expanding access to digital tools and services.

The World Bank underscored the importance of digital development in fostering inclusive growth, resilience, and effective service delivery in fragile and humanitarian contexts, noting that coordinated efforts are essential to achieving sustainable impact.

The workshop also served as a platform to enhance collaboration among stakeholders, with participants emphasizing the need for continued engagement and partnerships to translate discussions into actionable outcomes that support humanitarian operations in South Sudan.