By Faridat Salifu
South Sudan is set to enhance its telecommunications infrastructure with $20 million in financing from the Energy Inclusion Facility (EIF) and the Finnish Industrial Cooperation Fund (Finnfund).
This funding will support the solarisation of telecommunications towers across the country.
The asset manager Communication & Renewable Energy Infrastructure (CREI) received a $15 million bridge loan from the African Development Bank’s EIF and a $5 million mezzanine loan from Finnfund.
These funds will be used to develop, construct, and operate renewable energy plants for a key player in South Sudan’s telecommunications sector.
“This investment aligns with our goals for digitalisation and climate action. Improving mobile connectivity drives economic growth, better living standards, and a more inclusive society,” said Valtter Louhivuori, Head of Finnfund’s Nairobi office.
Under Finnfund’s Africa Connected programme, the financing will enable the installation of at least 413 hybrid energy solutions at telecom sites across South Sudan.
These hybrid systems will increase solar energy production and reduce diesel consumption at network sites, contributing to environmental sustainability.
The initiative is expected to benefit at least 2 million South Sudanese in a nation where connectivity is limited, infrastructure is sparse, and mobile phone penetration remains low.
The $20 million investment represents a significant step towards improving digital infrastructure and access in South Sudan, a country with a population of 11 million.