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The Digital Worlds of Internally Displaced People and Host Communities in Bor, South Sudan

SDGs Impacted

South Sudan became independent on 9 July 2011 after decades of conflict. Since then, the population has continued to suffer from intercommunal tensions and conflict, most notably in December 2013 and July 2016. Nevertheless, there are still more than 2 million internally displaced people (IDPs) in South Sudan as a result of ongoing intercommunal conflicts, insecurity, and flooding. IDPs in Bor are economically vulnerable with extremely limited opportunities to work due to being confined to the camp. Mobile phones are used heavily for digital entertainment, particularly in IDPs camps where there are no employment opportunities and where young people emphasised the importance of finding ways to pass the time. However, the high cost of data and lack of opportunity for charging has led to significant offline engagement with games, music and videos. This case study is part of a larger research study conducted in partnership with UNHCR that explored how people in humanitarian contexts use and relate to their mobile phones.

Impact / Outcome
Mobile use and connectivity in Bor are higher than in other areas in South Sudan, a reflection of both high demand and uneven infrastructure development in the country. People’s digital worlds are centred around communication and entertainment, both online and offline. Mobile phones are particularly important for displaced people to connect with friends and family displaced within the country, in the region and globally. Using phones for digital leisure is prevalent among residents of the PoC camp who report that it contributes to their well-being and helps them develop digital skills.
Key Metrics
Internally displaced people accessing and using mobile phones in a fragile context
Locations
Africa, South Sudan
Sector
IT and Communications (ICT)
Intervention lever
Indirect government
Operating model
Fully private
Target populations
Women & girls, Youth, Migrants & refugees
Year published
01 January 2022
Organization involved
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GSMA

The EDISON Alliance

A World Economic Forum Initiative