South Sudan has launched a new national e-learning platform that will allow students and teachers to access educational content free of internet data charges on the MTN network.
The platform, known as Junub Academy, was unveiled on Monday through a partnership between MTN South Sudan, Educare Organization South Sudan, the Ministry of General Education and Instruction, and the Ministry of ICT and Postal Services.
The service provides curriculum-based learning materials, teacher training resources, digital skills courses and AI-supported educational content.
It is intended to improve access to education, particularly for learners in remote and underserved communities.
MTN South Sudan said the platform has been zero-rated on its network, meaning users with an MTN SIM card can access the learning resources without paying for mobile data, in an effort to reduce barriers to digital education.
Speaking at the launch, MTN South Sudan Chief Executive Officer Mapula Bodibe said education remained a key driver of national development and that technology could help expand learning opportunities across the country.
“Our commitment is to ensure that learners and educators have access to quality educational content and digital skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world,” she said.
The Minister of General Education and Instruction Dr. Kuyok Abol Kuyok said the initiative complements the government’s Free Education Policy and forms part of efforts to make quality education more accessible through both online and offline learning systems.
He said the platform also supports the General Education Sector Plan 2023–2027, which seeks to expand equitable access to education while promoting digital inclusion and skills development.
Government officials, development partners, diplomats and representatives of the private sector attended the launch in Juba, describing the initiative as a step towards strengthening digital learning and improving educational opportunities across South Sudan.
