New World Bank Group Country Rep Seeks Impact from Programming

New World Bank Group Country Rep Seeks Impact from Programming
Charles Undeland, the World Bank Group country manager for South Sudan.

The global financier has committed nearly $1.5billion to finance key programs to deliver better services and livelihoods for South Sudan’s people.

By Aguok Chok

Global financier, World Bank Group, has had deep-rooted impact in multiple economies, especially the developing countries. And for a young nation like South Sudan, which is eyeing life-changing long-term partnerships, mutual, transformative engagements are essential. The World Bank Group and South Sudan have cooperated for decades, with the financial institution funding various programs and projects in the country.

“Ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity on a livable planet is our core mission,” says Charles Undeland, the newly appointed World Bank Group Country Manager for South Sudan. With a commitment of $1.5 billion in funding spread across 14 transformative projects—funding that is provided over several years against demonstrable progress and with rigorous fiduciary controls, the World Bank Group is a long-term partner in tackling the development challenges facing South Sudan.

Enhancing livelihoods

Undeland’s immediate priority and focus for South Sudan, is improving the livelihoods of the country’s citizens, as visualized by the World Bank Group’s mission statement. “We aim to improve both the quality and quantity of services available to the population,” he explains. Recognizing agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, the institution plans to continue investing significantly in this sector, in a bid to address food security and ultimately support the country in her dreams of being a food secure, and dependent nation. By fostering entrepreneurship and creating an enabling environment for private sector growth, the World Bank Group aims to spur job creation, believing that jobs are the critical pathway for unemployed youth and vulnerable groups to build a better future for themselves.

“An inclusive approach is crucial,” Undeland explains, emphasizing on the importance of ensuring that all South Sudanese, especially women and youth, benefit from these initiatives. Collaborations with local communities and government entities will play a pivotal role in crafting sustainable solutions tailored to the needs of the population.

Strengthening human capital

The second priority focus is on strengthening human capital through investments in health, education, and social safety nets. “Supporting the well-being of the people is essential for long-term progress,” the Manager says. World Bank Group’s health programs aim to better living standards of individuals and enhance access to essential medical services, while education initiatives equip the current and next generation with critical skills useful in developing prosperous societies.

Being the largest financier of education in the developing world, covering 94 countries, the Group’s programs in Africa’s youngest nation will be aimed at actualizing the Sustainable Development Goal number 4, geared towards access to inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities. Additionally, social safety nets will be developed to protect the most vulnerable citizens, ensuring that no one is left behind.  Delivering on the human capital agenda will require building on the World Bank Group’s collaboration with government and other development partners.

The Building Skills for Human Capital Development Project, a key component of this strategy, will enhance skills development opportunities in teaching and digital agriculture and strengthen capacity for management of the education system. “Statistics indicates that over 80% of teachers in primary schools don’t have the requisite teaching qualifications.” Undeland explains, highlighting the urgent need for investment in building capacity in the education sector.

Enhancing governance and institutions

Strengthening governance and institutional capacity represents a third priority of the World Bank Group agenda. “Our approach includes working closely with government institutions to enhance their capacity to deliver services effectively,” he says. The Public Financial Management Project focuses at improving greater transparency and accountability within government institutions, which is crucial for an effective state that delivers for its citizens.  A well-functioning state in turn helps foster increased trust between government, citizens, and businesses.

With a focus on effective governance, the World Bank Group is dedicated to working with South Sudan’s government to strengthen its budgeting and financial management to ensure that all public revenues are accounted for and utilized effectively.

Projects in Focus

The World Bank Group’s ambitious agenda includes several specific projects:

  • Agricultural development:

This initiative aims at strengthening the capacity of farmers and their organizations and improve agricultural production through cooperatives and extension services to support farmers directly and enhancing food security and economic stability.

  • Women empowerment:

This project addresses both economic empowerment of women and extend support for survivors of gender-based violence, aiming to foster a more inclusive, secure society.

  • Energy sector improvements:

This investment will increase access to electricity services and strengthen the institutional capacity of the electricity sector in South Sudan. This includes enhancing Juba’s electricity grid and piloting solar energy projects in other parts of the country, aiming to provide sustainable energy solutions for local communities.

  • Health sector transformation:

The largest project in the portfolio and focuses on providing basic health and nutrition services across all ten states and three administrative areas, in partnership with UNICEF and WHO, ensuring that essential healthcare reaches the most underserved populations.

  • Social safety nets:

Aimed at delivering cash transfers and access to income generating activities to the needy and strengthening the national safety net delivery system. This project is critical for providing relief to vulnerable populations.

Collaboration and partnership

“Partnership is key to our achieving success,” affirms Undeland, highlighting the importance of collaboration with government institutions, civil society, and development partners. The World Bank Group aims to align its efforts with other organizations to ensure all do their part to deliver development. “We all need to row in the same direction to drive meaningful change,” he emphasizes.

Facing challenges with hope

As Undeland and his team work to implement these priorities, they recognize the significant challenges that lie ahead. “South Sudan is in a difficult situation,” he acknowledges, but remains optimistic. “Where there’s a challenge, there’s always an opportunity.”

With a clear vision and a strong commitment to addressing South Sudan’s pressing needs, the World Bank Group is ready to make a meaningful impact. Through strategic investments and partnerships, the financier is determined to improve lives and foster sustainable growth in this young nation.

Undeland’s leadership, alongside the collaborative efforts of the World Bank Group, is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future, even as the Manager sits on the driver’s seat to drive alongside his team to deliver for the South Sudanese people.

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