Infrastructure Development and Economic Growth in South Sudan

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the infrastructure development and its contribution to the economic growth of South Sudan with emphasis on transport, communication and electricity. The dependent variable was economic growth, measured by the growth rate of gross domestic product, and the independent variables to measure infrastructure were road transportation, communication, and electricity. Methodology: Qualitative methodology was used through face to face interviews using an interview guide and focused group discussions from a sample of 200 respondents comprising of the directors from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Ministry of Finance, Members of parliament and local government as the representative of the common citizens selected using stratified sampling technique. The data collected was analyzed descriptively into themes and interpreted. Findings: The findings revealed that infrastructure played a significant role in the economic growth of the country. Road Transportation, communication, and electricity had a positive impact in development of the country. However the absence of economic resilience and the inability need to fill the technology gap and insufficient production of basic needs contributed to inequality and states’ disparities. Unique Contribution to theory, Practice and Policy: The study findings were aligned to the theory of infrastructure-led development, which states that public capital, in which infrastructure is included as necessary input in the production process, contributes to economic growth. The study recommended that South Sudan should adopt strategies and policies that will increase the quantity and quality of infrastructure development, as well as a capital formation strategy accompanied by human capital development and high institutional quality.