A Ten-Year Vision for Stabilization
In Juba on 10 September, South Sudan’s cabinet unveiled the South Sudan Development Plan 2026–2036, promising a decade of structured reforms aimed at economic recovery, peace consolidation and green growth.
Finance Ministry Sets the Tone
Finance and Planning Minister Athian Diing Athian called the launch “a pivotal moment”, insisting the blueprint must be inclusive, data-driven and transparent to transform living standards.
He underlined shared responsibility, arguing that execution, risk management and feedback loops will decide success.
Priorities: Diversification and Resilience
Officials say lessons from previous strategies push the new plan toward oil-beyond-oil diversification, rural agriculture, and shock absorption against political upheavals and climate extremes.
Budget frameworks are expected to ring-fence funds for infrastructure, renewable energy and small-business incubation to spread growth benefits.
Human Capital as the Engine
Parliamentary finance chair Michael Ayuen Johnson reminded delegates that people build roads, not the other way round, urging investment in skills, health and innovation.
UN Voices Caution and Support
Deputy UN envoy Anita Kiki Gbeho applauded lower maternal mortality but warned that conflict hotspots, El Niño-style floods and regional fragility could derail progress.
She urged authorities to keep targets realistic and to channel sufficient resources into health, education and agriculture to protect vulnerable communities.
Path to Parliamentary Approval
Nationwide consultations will collect feedback before the final draft heads to Parliament, where lawmakers are expected to scrutinize financing mechanisms and accountability benchmarks.
If endorsed, the plan will serve as a touchstone for annual budgets and donor alignment through 2036, positioning South Sudan to pursue sustainable peace and prosperity.