World Bank Urges Action as South Sudan’s Cities Grow Rapidly

The report shows that the urban population has increased from 1.7 million people in 2011 to 2.6 million today, driven largely by displacement, climate-related pressures and changing economic conditions.

The World Bank Group and the Government of South Sudan have launched a new Urbanization Review that calls for urgent action to manage the country's rapidly growing cities and turn urban expansion into a driver of economic recovery, resilience and job creation.

Although South Sudan remains one of the least urbanized countries in the world, its cities and towns are growing at a remarkable pace. The report shows that the urban population has increased from 1.7 million people in 2011 to 2.6 million today, driven largely by displacement, climate-related pressures and changing economic conditions.

Much of this growth has taken place without adequate planning, placing increasing pressure on already stretched infrastructure, public services and local institutions. The report warns that without coordinated action, cities could struggle to meet the needs of expanding populations. Officials argue that urbanization should not be viewed as a challenge alone but as an opportunity to support national development and improve living conditions for millions of people.

Cities seen as engines for jobs and economic growth

The report highlights the potential for urban areas to become centres of economic activity, employment and service delivery in a country facing significant development challenges. Vice President Dr James Wani Igga said the government recognizes the growing importance of cities in supporting recovery and long-term development. He emphasized the need to strengthen urban management, improve services and promote more inclusive growth while calling on development partners to support implementation efforts.

World Bank Country Manager for South Sudan Charles Undeland described the country's urban transition as a significant opportunity to generate jobs, improve resilience and create new economic opportunities. He noted that stronger planning and coordinated investment could help cities become foundations for stability and growth.

The report suggests that well-managed urbanization can strengthen livelihoods, improve access to services and support broader economic transformation in a fragile environment.

Roadmap focuses on services, planning and stronger institutions

To help guide future development, the report outlines a series of practical recommendations designed to accelerate urban transformation across South Sudan.

Among the priorities is expanding access to essential services such as clean water, sanitation, drainage systems, roads and street lighting, particularly in fast-growing and underserved communities. Improved infrastructure is expected to support both quality of life and economic activity.

The review also recommends using urban investments to create jobs through market development, transport networks and labour-intensive public works programmes that can stimulate local economies.

Land governance reforms are another key focus area. The report calls for greater transparency, better management of land disputes and stronger urban planning systems that take future risks into account.

Additional recommendations include improving data collection and analysis to support more effective planning decisions, as well as strengthening the capacity of national and local institutions responsible for managing urban growth.

Based on extensive consultations with government agencies, development partners and other stakeholders, the report presents a roadmap for transforming South Sudan's rapidly expanding cities into centres of opportunity, resilience and inclusive economic development.