President Salva Kiir and Information Minister Ateny Wek Ateny meet at the State House in Juba on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Photo: PPU

Minister of Information Ateny Wek Ateny briefed President Salva Kiir on establishing an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Authority to oversee internet service providers in South Sudan.

The development followed a meeting where Minister Ateny presented a progress report detailing the operations of the ministry and its entities.

During the meeting, Ateny highlighted that the establishment of the ICT Authority will create employment opportunities for youth by expanding the economy and supporting innovation in the technology sector.

The Minister stated that the ICT Authority will operate as a state entity under the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services.

The Minister said the establishment of the authority would mark a step in government efforts to modernize infrastructure, improve internet governance, and enhance the delivery of ICT services across the country.

According to Ateny, the initiative aims to put in place a regulator while the government awaits the passage of legislation through parliament.

Minister Ateny also briefed President Kiir on participation in conferences focused on communication and technology development.

He stated that these conferences focused on aligning the ICT sector of South Sudan with standards.

The meeting also reviewed ministry preparedness for elections, with the minister asserting that a communication strategy is in place to support reporting by journalists, with the aim of promoting information throughout the process.