LocationsUNDP partners with the Government of South Sudan to Validate Public Investment Management Operational Manual
August 10, 2026
Launch of public investment management operational manual
Juba, South Sudan, 5 August 2026 - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Government of South Sudan, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and ASIGMA, today commenced a two-day Validation Workshop for the Public Investment Management (PIM) Operational Manual, aimed at strengthening economic governance and improving the effectiveness of public investments across the country.
Held under the theme, "Strengthening Public Investment Management for Sustainable and Inclusive Development in South Sudan," the workshop brings together representatives from government institutions at the national and state levels, development partners, academia, civil society organizations, and the private sector to review and validate the Manual before its adoption and implementation.
The Public Investment Management Operational Manual was developed by ASIGMA with technical support from government, UNDP and financial support from the African Development Bank through the Institutional Support Project for Strengthening Economic Governance in South Sudan.
ASIGMA Consulting team, Gov't and UNDP
The workshop marks a significant milestone in South Sudan's efforts to strengthen public management systems and improve development planning processes. While progress has been made in recent years, challenges remain across the public investment cycle, including project preparation, appraisal, prioritization, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
The PIM Operational Manual seeks to address these challenges by establishing a comprehensive and standardized framework to guide the entire investment process. The Manual introduces clear procedures, quality assurance mechanisms, consultative and analytical requirements to support evidence-based decision-making and improve project outcomes.
A key feature of the Manual is the introduction of a stage-gate approach, which requires projects to meet defined quality standards before advancing to the next phase of development. This approach is expected to strengthen accountability, reduce implementation delays, improve fiscal discipline, and enhance the overall effectiveness of public investments.
Sheila Ngatia, the Acting Resident Representative speaking at the validation workshop
Strengthening Economic Governance
Speaking at the opening of the workshop, Sheila Ngatia, Deputy Resident Representative, emphasized the importance of effective public investment management in achieving sustainable development outcomes.
"Public investment is one of the most powerful tools governments have to drive economic growth, create jobs, improve essential services, and enhance the well-being of citizens. This Operational Manual provides a critical framework to ensure that public resources are invested strategically, transparently, and efficiently, delivering tangible benefits for the people of South Sudan."
The Undersecretary; Ministry of Finance and Planning, Benjamin Ayali Koyongwa speaking at the validation workshop
The Undersecretary; Ministry of Finance and Planning, Benjamin Ayali Koyongwa welcomed the validation process, describing the Manual as an important step toward improving investment planning and public sector performance.
"The Public Investment Management Operational Manual will help improve project selection, implementation, and oversight while enhancing accountability and value for money. It is also guide that will direct the decisions made by the institutions involved in public investment "
Building a Pipeline of Quality Investments
The framework promotes rigorous project appraisal through economic and financial analysis, environmental and social safeguards assessments, climate risk considerations, institutional capacity assessments, and stakeholder engagement throughout the project cycle. Participants at the workshop highlighted the importance of institutional ownership and inter-agency coordination in ensuring successful implementation of the Manual once adopted.The
Minister for Investment, Hon. Amb. Joseph Mum Majak underscored the importance of aligning public investments with broader economic reforms.
"Effective public investment management complements ongoing efforts to attract private sector investment and improve the business environment. Strong planning and execution of public investments create the foundation for sustainable growth, economic diversification, and job creation."
Minister for Investment, Hon. Amb. Joseph Mum Majak speaking at the validation workshop
Supporting South Sudan's Development Agenda
The initiative aligns with South Sudan's national development aspirations and supports the implementation of future development plans and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also complements wider reform efforts related to the Investment Promotion Act, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), investment facilitation, and strategic planning.
Over the course of the two-day workshop, participants will review the Manual, provide technical feedback, identify any remaining gaps, and build consensus around a framework that responds to the country's development priorities and realities.
UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Government of South Sudan in strengthening institutions, promoting transparency and accountability, and advancing sustainable development through effective economic governance reforms.
As the validation process progresses, stakeholders expressed optimism that the Public Investment Management Operational Manual will contribute to a more transparent, accountable, and results-oriented public investment system capable of delivering lasting benefits for current and future generations of South Sudanese citizens.
