Johnny Ohisa Damian, Governor of the Central Bank. Courtesy.

The Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, Johnny Ohisa Damian, says development financing is critical for countries such as South Sudan, describing large-scale development financing as essential for the country’s survival and future progress.

Speaking at the African Development Bank Governors’ Dialogue, Damian said South Sudan remains focused on investing in agriculture, infrastructure, energy, water and youth opportunities despite ongoing economic and climate-related challenges.

He praised the leadership of the African Development Bank and its President for advancing Africa’s development agenda during a period marked by geopolitical tensions, climate shocks, economic uncertainty and growing fragility across the continent.

Damian described this year’s theme, “Mobilizing Africa’s Development Finance at Scale in a Fragmented World,” as timely and urgent, saying development financing is critical for countries such as South Sudan.

The Governor said that South Sudan continues to face multiple challenges, including heavy dependence on oil revenues, climate-related disasters such as recurring floods, humanitarian pressures and major infrastructure gaps in energy, transport, water and digital connectivity.

He said these challenges exist alongside significant opportunities in agriculture, regional trade, natural resources and human capital development.

Damian emphasized that the African Development Bank remains a strategic partner for South Sudan, supporting projects in infrastructure, governance, agriculture, institutional capacity building and resilience.

He commended the bank’s support for climate-resilient agriculture, clean water and sanitation programs, financial inclusion initiatives targeting youth and women, and efforts to strengthen public financial management.

In his concluding remarks, Damian reaffirmed South Sudan’s commitment to working closely with the African Development Bank and development partners to achieve sustainable development, peace and prosperity for the people of South Sudan.