Juba, South Sudan,
28 May 2021 – The World Bank says it has an “excellent vision” for South Sudan as the global financial body seeks to fund multiple projects in the country ranging from health to infrastructure.
In a meeting with President Salva Kiir in Juba Tuesday, the World Bank Regional Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa Mr. Hafez Ghanem said the institution seeks to scale up support and investment to enable sustainable growth.
“Mr. Ghanem said that they are having an excellent vision for South Sudan and the World Bank is increasing its support and investment in South Sudan as they look forward to being a reliable partner for South Sudan to ensure the success of its development and growth,” the office of the President said in a Facebook post.
“Mr. Ghanem presented to H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit a number of portfolios of World Bank projects in South Sudan, particularly in the areas of health, education, telecom, and roads.
“The delegation also congratulated Kiir for the work he is doing to ensure that peace prevails in South Sudan,” the brief continues.
Mr. Ghanem was accompanied by Mr. Ousmane Daione, World Bank Country Director, and Mr. Chieck Oumar Sylla.
Also present at the meeting were the Minister of Presidential Affairs Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin, Minister of Finance and Planning, Athian Diing Athian, and Governor of the Bank of South Sudan Dier Tong Ngor.
The meeting came at the time South Sudan is seeking to return 72000 doses of the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine back to the donors amid a looming expiration date.
Earlier this month, South Sudan dumped additional 60,000 doses of expired COVID-19 vaccine procured by the African Union Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and MTN.
The World Bank has been accused of defaulting on its promise to donate $12 billion to developing countries, including South Sudan, to help them procure COVID-19 vaccines and required storage facilities.
