Scenius Hub and Central Equatoria State Ministry of information and Communication Advance Implementation of the DISK Program Through Stakeholder Engagement.

Scenius Hub, in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Communication, Central Equatoria State, is advancing the implementation of the Digital Innovation for Skills and Knowledge (DISK) Program, a five-year initiative designed to strengthen digital skills, expand ICT infrastructure, and accelerate digital transformation across Central Equatoria State.

Stakeholders pose for a picture - photo credit King Media

As part of the program's implementation process, the Office of the Deputy Governor of Central Equatoria State convened a high-level stakeholder meeting in Juba to introduce the programme to government institutions, development partners, the private sector, civil society organisations, and technology stakeholders. The meeting served as a platform to present the program's vision, discuss implementation priorities, and mobilise partnerships that will support the successful establishment and long-term sustainability of the initiative.

The engagement brought together the Deputy Governor of Central Equatoria State, the Undersecretary of the National Ministry of ICT and Postal Services, State Ministers, representatives of national and international development organisations including UNESCO UNMISS and UNDP, private sector leaders, and other key stakeholders committed to strengthening South Sudan's digital future. Participants reaffirmed the importance of collaboration in building the digital infrastructure and skills required to drive inclusive development and improve public service delivery.

The DISK Program seeks to establish three Digital Skills Centres within government-owned facilities across Central Equatoria State. The centres will provide accessible, high-quality training in digital literacy and ICT skills for youth, women, civil servants, entrepreneurs, and other community members, while also serving as hubs for innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven learning.

The programme responds directly to the digital skills gaps identified in the 2022 World Bank Digital Economy Assessment for South Sudan, which highlighted limited ICT infrastructure, low digital literacy, and a shortage of skilled ICT professionals as major barriers to the country's digital transformation.

Having identified the significant digital skills gap within government institutions, the DISK Programme was developed to strengthen public sector capacity, enhance digital service delivery, and equip civil servants with the competencies needed to drive Central Equatoria State’s digital transformation. ~minister of Information and communication -CES.

By creating modern learning environments and expanding access to practical digital skills training, the initiative will contribute to a more capable workforce and support the state's transition towards digital governance and a knowledge-based economy.

While the programme is still in its implementation phase, significant progress has already been achieved. Renovation works have commenced on the government facilities designated to become the future Digital Skills Centres, marking the first step in creating modern spaces for digital education and innovation. In parallel, the stakeholder meeting convened by the Office of the Deputy Governor has laid the foundation for broader collaboration by bringing together key actors to explore opportunities for partnership, resource mobilisation, and technical support.

As the implementing partner, Scenius Hub continues to work closely with the Ministry of Information and Communication and the Central Equatoria State Government to coordinate implementation, mobilise strategic partners, and prepare the centres for operation.

The success of the programme will depend on continued collaboration between government, development partners, technology companies, educational institutions, and the private sector.

Scenius Hub welcomes organisations that share this vision to join the implementation of the DISK Programme by contributing expertise, technology, equipment, funding, or capacity-building support.

Together, these partnerships will help create sustainable digital learning opportunities and equip thousands of South Sudanese with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

For partnership opportunities and further information about the Digital Innovation for Skills and Knowledge (DISK) Programme, interested organisations are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Information and Communication, Central Equatoria State or Scenius Hub (info@sceniushub.com)