Led by IREX, the Sustainable Independent Media Activity (SIMA) is a $12 million USAID-funded project that strives to increase citizens’ access to reliable and credible information by promoting the sustainability of high quality, independent radio operations across South Sudan. Active in all 10 states, SIMA partners implement radio programming and capacity building activities.

Access to quality, fact-based information continues to be hampered by poor communications infrastructure and natural barriers in South Sudan. As a result, the media landscape sustains ongoing challenges of restrictions to press freedom, straining radio stations’ operations. Furthermore, existing media organizations face limited opportunities for revenue generation because of limited private sector development and economic
pressures in South Sudan. A preliminary mapping of radio outlets conducted by IREX and a partner organization in 2024 revealed that the majority of radio stations operate for only a few hours daily, and that most of the content produced was for entertainment purposes, as
opposed to informing, educating, and influencing public opinion. Hence, South Sudanese citizens have insufficient access to consistent and reliable information on political and economic matters affecting their lives. In response to these challenges, IREX achieved a major accomplishment by distributing a brand-new generator to SIMA partner Eye Radio to
strengthen its ability to continue broadcasting accurate and reliable news around the clock.

In a social and political environment as precarious as South Sudan’s, it is crucial for the public to have continuous access to reliable information. This generator will enable Eye Radio to cover not only the capital Juba, but also Wau in the Western Bahr El Ghazal State, Aweil in the Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, Yambio in the Western Equatoria State, and
Renk in the Upper Nile State through its repeater network stations.

Continuous, independent media coverage is essential to nation-building

US Ambassador to South Sudan, Michael J. Adler, said the donation exemplified USAID's efforts to assist South Sudanese citizens. “I am enormously proud of the work USAID does in South Sudan to help the South Sudanese people. The existence of Eye Radio has been possible through the generous support of the American people through the United States
Agency for International Development.,” Ambassador Adler said. He added, “Free and independent media is essential to advancing and sustaining these values. It is vital for political and civic space; it is vitally critical for a country’s well-being and, indeed, fostering of dialogue and the empowerment of the spirit of democracy and freedom of expression.”

The CEO of Eye Radio, Stephen Omiri, explained that the brand-new, 80 kilo-volt-amperes generator will enhance the continuity of timely for its 3 million active online and offline listeners. “With this generator, we are powering our station and the spirit of democracy and freedom of expression in South Sudan,” said Omiri. The generator donation comes at a time when South Sudan suffers from electricity deficits and its electricity sector is among the least developed in Sub-Saharan Africa. According to the World Bank, only 6.7% of South Sudanese have access to electricity (as of 2019), and 70% still rely on biomass fuels including wood and charcoal. Significant investment in institutions and infrastructure—exemplified by this generator donation— are needed to fuel post-conflict recovery and growth.

Building the capacity of media houses

Since 2023, IREX has distributed almost $2 million to four main radio partners—Eye Media, The Radio Community (TRC), Voice of Hope (VoH), and Abyei Information and Radio Service (AIRS)—who together produced 2,964 pieces of radio content and 1,159 pieces of digital content on civic education and engagement, electoral preparedness, human rights, governance, peacebuilding, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and more. Now in its third year, IREX continues to champion media development work as co-chair of the Media Sector Working Group (MSWG), which coordinates media development activities in South Sudan.