Gov’t to exempt import duty on mobile telecom equipment 

JUBA – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has announced that his government will exempt import duties on mobile telecom equipment to allow companies to offer an optimum service to the citizens.

In his key address during the launch of the Digital Network in Juba on Monday morning, President Kiir said the government is exempting taxes on import of mobile network equipment to increase digital literacy in the country.

“The government will explore options including tax exemption that will benefit importation of network equipment and telecommunication tools,” Kiir said.

He explained that this will encouraged the importation of mobile network equipment which he said will help increase digital literacy among the citizens.

“The tax exemption I am proposing will be done in collaboration with National Revenue Authority to ensure modalities for tax exemption are consistent with its mandate,” he said.

He advised the mobile telecoms companies to bring mobile services near people in remote areas to enhance connectivity.

“Please, don’t concentrate your services within and around Juba, expand your services to other areas across the country,” he said.

He said the delay to connect people in remotes will undermine government efforts to cash up with the rest of the world in the field of digital technology.

“Moving to other areas is key because keeping your services in urban centers can delay our objectives of closing the gap of digital devices within our country,” he stated.

He directed the Ministry of Road and Bridges to give utmost priority to infrastructure development to support government goal to extend digital services reach people in remotes areas.

“I direct the Ministry of Road and Bridges to coordinate with National Communication Authority to include provision for telecommunication infrastructure in all roads design and construction. This will support the government’s goal of extending digital services to many areas across the country,” he said.