South Sudan green network gets $5m boost

Communication and Renewable Energy Infrastructure focuses on deploying hybrid energy solutions for mobile network operators [Picture credit: CREI South Sudan].

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Finnfund, a Finnish development financier, has committed a $5 million follow-on investment in Communication and Renewable Energy Infrastructure (CREI) to help South Sudan scale its sustainable telecom energy infrastructure.

The latest funds are backed by the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) as part of the Africa Connected programme, which aims to advance digital inclusion and climate resilience. Finnfund has invested a total of $10 million in CREI.

According to the organisations, CREI focuses on delivering hybrid energy solutions to mobile network operators.

Finnfund's finance will help MTN South Sudan's 499 telecom sites modernise and expand their solar-hybrid energy systems as part of a 10-year Energy-as-a-Service contract.

The project has now renovated 490 sites and served over four million people, exceeding its initial goals.

They went on to say that the telecom stations are not only functioning, but also consistently powered, enabling anyone with a mobile device to make a call, browse the internet, or access digital services.

Over the last three years, overall network coverage has increased from 69% to 80% of the population, demonstrating the broader market impact of CREI's infrastructure investments.

“Reliable energy is the backbone of digital connectivity and economic growth. By supporting CREI, we are enabling cleaner, more efficient power for telecom networks, which means better connectivity, lower emissions, and greater opportunities for communities. At its heart, this investment is about connecting the unconnected and driving sustainable development,” said Kelvin Kiiru, investment associate at Finnfund.

Pelle Enarsson, EU ambassador to South Sudan added: “This investment shows how the EU’s Global Gateway strategy delivers impact in South Sudan. Through the EFSD+ guarantee, the EU backs private sector investments in more challenging environments. In South Sudan, this support enables renewable energy solutions for digital infrastructure, improving connectivity and driving inclusive growth while building resilient local economies.”