President Salva Kiir Mayardit has appointed Tejwok Simon Ajak as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Communication Authority (NCA), replacing Prof. John Akec, whose term has officially ended.
The appointment, announced through a presidential decree, marks a significant leadership shift in South Sudan’s fast-evolving communication and technology sector.
The NCA, a regulatory body established to oversee telecommunications and digital communication services, plays a pivotal role in connecting the country’s citizens, enforcing standards, and fostering innovation in the ICT space.
A change at the top, therefore, has wide-ranging implications for the nation’s digital future.
Who is Tejwok Simon Ajak?
Though not widely known in the public domain compared to his predecessor, Tejwok Simon Ajak is recognized within policy and governance circles as a professional with experience in public administration and regulatory affairs.
His appointment signals the government’s intention to infuse fresh energy into the NCA at a time when South Sudan faces both challenges and opportunities in the communications sector.
Observers believe Ajak’s leadership will be crucial in guiding the NCA to navigate pressing issues such as:
Internet penetration and affordability, which remain among the lowest in the region.
Cybersecurity concerns, particularly as digital platforms become central to economic activity and governance.
Regulatory enforcement, to ensure that telecom operators meet their obligations to consumers.
Digital economy expansion, including the rise of mobile money and e-government services.
Prof. John Akec’s Tenure at the NCA
Outgoing chairman Prof. John Akec, who also serves as Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba, was widely regarded as an outspoken academic leader.
His stewardship of the NCA board coincided with an important period of institutional consolidation for the authority.
During his tenure, the NCA sought to:
Strengthen regulatory frameworks for mobile operators.
Push for reduced internet costs, which remain a major obstacle for ordinary South Sudanese.
Develop capacity within the authority to deal with the global pace of technological change.
However, his period in office was not without criticism. Some stakeholders argued that progress in expanding affordable internet was slow, while others noted that rural connectivity lagged behind despite South Sudan’s heavy reliance on mobile communication.
Nevertheless, Akec’s legacy remains tied to laying the foundation for the NCA’s regulatory identity and setting up mechanisms to enforce compliance within a sector often dominated by a handful of powerful operators.
Why This Appointment Matters
The leadership change at the NCA comes at a critical juncture for South Sudan. The country’s ICT and telecommunications industry has grown over the last decade, but challenges remain acute.
1. Digital Divide
Large portions of the population, particularly in rural areas, remain cut off from reliable communication services.
Internet penetration is estimated at less than 10%, far below the African average. Bridging this digital divide will be a top priority for Ajak.
2. High Costs of Communication
South Sudanese citizens pay some of the highest rates for internet and mobile services in East Africa.
This stifles access to information, business innovation, and education. Ajak’s board will be under pressure to push telecom operators towards affordability and fairness.
3. Cybersecurity and Regulations
As more government services, businesses, and individuals move online, cybersecurity becomes paramount. The NCA under new leadership will be expected to craft policies that protect citizens while fostering trust in digital services.
4. Mobile Money and Digital Finance
Mobile money is increasingly becoming a lifeline for trade, remittances, and financial inclusion.
Ensuring robust regulations that protect users and promote innovation will fall under the authority’s mandate.
The National Communication Authority’s Role
The NCA is not just a regulatory body it is a gatekeeper of South Sudan’s digital transformation. Its responsibilities include:
Licensing telecom operators and monitoring compliance.
Regulating internet providers to ensure consumer protection.
Managing frequency spectrum and related resources.
Facilitating digital infrastructure development.
Promoting policies for ICT-driven growth.
In a country like South Sudan, where decades of conflict and underdevelopment have left infrastructure weak, the role of the NCA is even more crucial.
The authority is expected to strike a balance between encouraging investment from private operators and safeguarding the rights of ordinary users.
Opportunities Ahead for Tejwok Simon Ajak
Ajak’s appointment offers him a platform to shape the digital destiny of South Sudan. Among the opportunities he can seize are:
Driving Internet Penetration: Partnering with operators to expand affordable internet access to schools, hospitals, and rural communities.
Promoting Local Innovation: Supporting South Sudanese tech startups and entrepreneurs who are creating solutions tailored to local needs.
Regional Partnerships: Collaborating with East African regulators to harmonize policies, especially for cross-border mobile money services and roaming charges.
Strengthening E-Governance: Helping government ministries roll out digital services that make public administration more transparent and efficient.
Climate and ICT Synergy: Leveraging ICT to support climate monitoring, disaster response, and agriculture—sectors critical to South Sudan’s survival.
Challenges That Cannot Be Ignored
While the opportunities are significant, Ajak also inherits challenges that will test his leadership. These include:
1. Weak Infrastructure
With much of the country lacking electricity and reliable roads, expanding telecom services will require innovative approaches.
2. Regulatory Independence
Ensuring the NCA operates without political interference will be critical to its credibility.
3. Revenue Collection
Strengthening financial oversight so that telecom companies pay their dues transparently to the government.
4. Consumer Protection
Responding to complaints about poor service quality, dropped calls, and overpriced bundles.
Public Reactions and Expectations
The news of Ajak’s appointment has drawn mixed reactions. Some stakeholders welcome it as an opportunity for fresh leadership that can inject new energy into the NCA.
Others caution that without clear government support, even the best chairman will struggle to deliver results in such a complex sector.
Social media discussions highlight widespread frustration with poor internet speeds and high data costs.
Many South Sudanese are hopeful that a new board chair will prioritize these issues and push for practical solutions.
Conclusion: A Defining Test for South Sudan’s Digital Future
President Kiir’s decision to appoint Tejwok Simon Ajak as Chairman of the NCA Board is more than a routine reshufflle it is a statement about the government’s recognition of the critical role ICT plays in the nation’s future.
The appointment comes at a time when South Sudan is preparing for elections.
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