South Sudan

South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, has about 11 million people and is one of the world's youngest countries. The mobile market is served by three operators: MTN South Sudan (part of South Africa's MTN Group), Zain South Sudan (Kuwait's Zain Group), and Digitel (launched 2021 as the first locally-owned operator, first to deploy 5G in 2024). Despite political instability and hyperinflation slowing growth, 4G now covers most urban areas. USSD is the primary channel for balance checks, data subscriptions, and mobile money transfers, particularly vital given limited fixed-line infrastructure.