MTN South Sudan Honoured for Expanding Free Digital Education Access

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MTN South Sudan has been recognised for its significant contribution to digital education, particularly through initiatives that provide free access to learning resources for students and teachers across the country.

The company received the honour in acknowledgment of its efforts to bridge the education gap in South Sudan by offering zero-rated access to educational platforms, content, and digital learning tools.

MTN South Sudan has partnered with local and international education stakeholders to make key learning websites, e-learning portals, and educational applications accessible without data charges. This has enabled millions of students, especially in underserved and conflict-affected areas, to continue learning even when faced with limited resources or physical school disruptions.

The initiative includes free access to educational content on platforms supporting primary, secondary, and tertiary learning, helping to supplement traditional schooling and support self-paced education.

South Sudan faces some of the most severe education challenges in Africa, with low literacy rates, limited school infrastructure, and frequent disruptions caused by conflict and economic hardship. In such an environment, digital education serves as a critical lifeline, allowing students to access knowledge beyond the constraints of physical classrooms.

MTN’s intervention demonstrates how telecom operators can play a meaningful role in national development by leveraging their infrastructure for social impact. By removing data costs, the company has lowered a major barrier to digital learning in one of the world’s youngest and most digitally divided nations.

This recognition also highlights the growing importance of private sector involvement in addressing education gaps across Africa, where public resources are often stretched thin

For students in Juba, Malakal, Bor, and remote communities, free access to digital education means the difference between falling behind and staying on track with their studies. Teachers have also benefited by gaining access to teaching resources and training materials.

Parents and guardians have expressed relief as their children can now study more effectively using mobile phones, which are increasingly common even in rural areas. The initiative has particularly supported girls’ education and students with disabilities who face additional barriers to attending traditional schools.

MTN South Sudan’s efforts have been praised for promoting long-term human capital development in a country where education is vital for peacebuilding and economic recovery.

This honour reinforces MTN’s commitment to using its network for meaningful social impact. As South Sudan continues its digital journey, such initiatives will be essential in preparing the next generation with the skills needed for a more connected and prosperous future.