Harnessing Urban Growth for Recovery: New World Bank Report Charts Pathways for Resilient and Inclusive Cities in South Sudan

JUBA, June 9, 2026 - The World Bank Group, in partnership with the Government of the Republic of South Sudan, today launched the South Sudan Urbanization Review: Cities as Anchors of Recovery and Resilience, calling for urgent, coordinated action to harness rapid urbanization as a driver of stability, jobs, and inclusive growth.

South Sudan remains one of the least urbanized countries globally, with only about one-fifth of its population living in urban areas. However, cities and towns are expanding rapidly, mainly driven by displacement, climate pressures, and economic factors. This growth is largely unplanned and is straining already limited infrastructure, services, and institutional capacity. The report reveals that the urban population has grown rapidly from 1.7 million to 2.6 million since 2011.

The report underscores that, if well managed with the right policies and investments, urbanization can become a powerful force for recovery and resilience, supporting livelihoods, strengthening service delivery, and fostering economic transformation including job creation in a highly fragile context like South Sudan.

"The government recognizes the growing importance of cities in driving national recovery and development. We are committed to strengthening urban management, improving service delivery, and enabling more resilient and inclusive urban growth. We call on our partners to align efforts and support the implementation of this roadmap for the benefit of all citizens," said H.E. Dr. James Wani Igga, Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan and Chair of Economic Cluster.

"South Sudan's urban transition is an opportunity not to be missed in generating jobs, fostering resilience, and improving the lives of the country's population. The findings of this Urbanization Review underscore the importance of strengthened urban planning, enhanced service delivery, and more effective management of land and resources to enable cities to serve as engines of stability and economic opportunity. We encourage the national Government as well as urban governments to seize the opportunity of urbanizing South Sudan through ensuring coordinated policies and strategic investments in the country's urban areas to deliver tangible benefits and jobs for the population," said Charles Undeland, World Bank Group Country Manager for South Sudan.

The report outlines a pragmatic reform agenda for accelerating urban transformation which includes:

• Expand access to basic services through prioritizing investments in water, sanitation, drainage, urban roads, and lighting, particularly in underserved and rapidly growing communities.
• Leverage urban investments for jobs through developing markets, transport corridors, and labor-intensive public works to stimulate local economies.
• Strengthen land governance and urban planning through addressing land disputes, improving transparency, and enabling risk-informed urban expansion.
• Improve urban data and analytics through establishing data systems to better guide planning, investment prioritization, and service delivery.
• Build institutional capacity through empowering national and local authorities.

The South Sudan Urbanization Review is based on extensive analytical work and consultations with government, development partners and various stakeholders.

Contact

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