National Communication Authority (South Sudan)

National Communication Authority
Agency overview
FormedJune 2015
JurisdictionGovernment of South Sudan
HeadquartersJuba, South Sudan
Agency executive
  • Gieth Kon Mathiang, Director General
Parent departmentMinistry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services
Websitewww.nca.gov.ss

The National Communication Authority is the national regulatory body responsible for overseeing and managing the telecommunications, broadcasting, information and communications technology (ICT), and postal services sectors in the Republic of South Sudan. It operates under the mandate of the National Communication Act, 2012 and was officially launched in June 2015.[1][2]

The newly appointed Director General of the National Communication Authority (NCA), Gieth Kon Mathiang Kun, assumed his role on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, a day after his appointment through a Republic Decree to replace his predecessor, Adok Napoleon.[3]

History

The NCA was established following the enactment of the National Communication Act, 2012, as part of South Sudan’s broader efforts to institutionalize public sector governance and promote digital transformation to be at par with global standard. The authority became fully operational in 2015 and has since evolved to play a central role in regulating South Sudan’s fast-changing ICT and telecom environment.

Mandate and functions

The NCA is tasked with:

  • Licensing and regulating telecom operators and service providers
  • Managing the radio frequency spectrum and numbering resources
  • Promoting free and fair competition in the communications industry
  • Ensuring affordable, accessible, and reliable communication services
  • Protecting consumer rights and managing dispute resolution mechanisms
  • Promoting investment in ICT infrastructure and services
  • Supporting underserved communities through the Universal Service Fund
  • Collaborating on national security and ensuring compliance with international standards

Leadership and structure

The authority is headed by the Director General, currently Gieth Kon Mathiang Kun, and operates under a board of directors.[4][5] other management team include:

  • Awuol Gabriel Arok - Office Manager, Office of the Director General
  • Rebecca Adau Deng - Executive Director, Office of the Director General
  • Joseph Kuot Anau - Secretary for Governance & Board Affairs/Executive Secretary to the Director General, Office of DG
  • Bilek Kuol Alor - Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Office of the Director General
  • John Majok Kordit - Assistant Director for Procurement, Office of the Director General

Its organizational structure includes directorates for:

  • Corporate Affairs
  • Finance
  • Research & Planning
  • Regulations & Enforcement
  • Technical Services
  • Spectrum management
  • Human Resources
  • Administration & Logistics

Key initiatives and activities

Infrastructure and digital access

The NCA has been instrumental in expanding digital infrastructure across South Sudan. In 2024, it partnered with Starlink, a satellite internet provider, to increase broadband coverage in rural and underserved areas. It also signed a 15-year license agreement with MTN South Sudan in 2025, aimed at improving service delivery and telecom investment.[6][7][8]

Regional and capacity development

The NCA has partnered with the African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute (AFRALTI) to enhance technical training and cross-border collaboration in the mobile communication sector.[9] It also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GoGirls ICT to promote digital inclusion and empower women and girls through mentorship and digital skills development.[10]

Regulatory and revenue achievements

Under its current leadership, the NCA has improved revenue collection mechanisms and reportedly collects approximately SSP 5 billion monthly from telecom operators. It also enforces tariff regulation and licensing practices to stabilize service pricing and quality.[11]

Content regulation and crisis response

In January 2025, the NCA ordered the temporary suspension of platforms like Facebook and TikTok following the circulation of inflammatory content related to conflict in neighboring Sudan. The action was intended to prevent incitement and promote public safety, though it raised concerns about freedom of expression.[12]

International engagement

The NCA engages with regional and international bodies to align South Sudan’s communication policies with global standards. It actively participates in initiatives to modernize ICT governance, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.

Criticism and challenges

Despite its achievements, the NCA has faced criticism for social media restrictions during periods of civil unrest and conflict. Human rights groups have expressed concern over the implications for freedom of information and press freedom in the country.

See also

  • Telecommunications in South Sudan
  • Internet in South Sudan
  • Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services (South Sudan)

References

  1. ^ "Overview of NCA". NCA SSD. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  2. ^ "Opinion | The role of National Communication Authority as South Sudan prepares for elections". Radio Tamazuj. 2023-12-08. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  3. ^ cfeditoren (2025-05-14). "NCA new boss Gieth Kon takes office". South Sudan. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  4. ^ "Board of Directors". NCA SSD. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  5. ^ "Office of the Director General". NCA SSD. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  6. ^ Team, Editorial (2024-07-15). "South Sudan Partners with Starlink for Affordable National Internet Access". TechAfrica News. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  7. ^ "South Sudan unveils approved Starlink tariffs". www.connectingafrica.com. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  8. ^ Goor, Akuot (2025-04-14). "Government signs 15- year license with MTN South Sudan". The Dawn Newspaper. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  9. ^ Chang, Koang (2025-03-12). "NCA partners with AFRALTI to promote cross-border mobile technologies". Eye Radio. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  10. ^ "Memorandum of Understanding with the National Communications Authority – NCA, South Sudan | GoGirls ICT Initiative". Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  11. ^ Chang, Koang (2024-02-21). "Adok says NCA collects close to SSP.5 billion in revenue monthly". Eye Radio. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  12. ^ "South Sudan suspends social media platforms over videos of Sudan killings". Reuters. 2025-01-23. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
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