Local Fund Sets $4.13 Million Ambition
On 9 December 2025, Juba-based Local Response Pooled Fund unveiled its 2025-2027 roadmap, seeking to raise 4.13 million dollars to steer a locally driven humanitarian system in South Sudan.
The blueprint prioritises health, education, food security, livelihoods, climate resilience and rule-of-law support, areas repeatedly flagged in national needs assessments.
Capacity Building and Direct Grants
Program Lead Tabani David said the fund would channel technical assistance alongside cash, arguing that “capacity enhancement is essential if members are to respond to all the needs” (Tabani David).
Under the plan, local organisations could access direct grants for relief, recovery and eventual development projects, reducing dependence on costly international intermediaries.
Governance and Accountability Framework
Chairperson Rombek Rombek described the strategy as “a clear roadmap for the next phase,” highlighting strengthened governance, financing rules and transparent measurement tools (Rombek Rombek).
He said the document mirrors both the ambition of South Sudanese actors and the expectations of donors who increasingly demand tangible results.
Development Partners Rally Behind Localism
Save the Children’s Director of Program Operations, Nwamaka Ifionu, pledged long-term support, noting, “We will help you take flight as locally as possible and as globally as necessary” (Nwamaka Ifionu).
Her remarks echo a broader shift within humanitarian financing toward empowering domestic responders and trimming overheads.
Implications for a Resilient Future
Analysts view the 4.13 million-dollar target as modest yet catalytic, expecting it to attract parallel contributions if early milestones are met.
Successful delivery could position South Sudan’s local network as a model for region-wide humanitarian reform aiming to place communities at the centre of decision-making.

