Japan has pledged $2.5 million to strengthen climate resilience in South Sudan.
The country is one of Africa’s most climate-vulnerable nations. The funds will go through the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). They will support communities in Northern Bahr el-Ghazal and Warrap states.
Floods displaced more than 380,000 people in South Sudan in 2024. Over 1.4 million people were affected nationwide. The new support will reinforce early warning systems, upgrade infrastructure, and promote sustainable livelihoods. These include solar irrigation and agroforestry.
“This is a commitment to creating a future where the people of South Sudan are better equipped to face the challenges of climate change and conflict,” said Odagiri Toshio, Japan’s Ambassador to South Sudan.
He added that the initiative aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) and Japan’s commitments under TICAD9.
UNHCR said the project will reach more than 25,000 people. This includes refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities.
UNHCR’s Representative in South Sudan, Marie-Helene Verney, explained that the initiative will help families adapt and rebuild with greater resilience. It will also reduce the risk of repeated displacement.
South Sudan’s ministry of environment and forestry welcomed the funding. Undersecretary Joseph Africano Bartel noted that it complements a $50 million project with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the World Food Programme. The project aims to strengthen adaptation across the country.
Japan’s contribution may be modest compared to broader needs. Yet, it highlights the urgency of climate-proofing fragile states. For South Sudan, the move represents progress toward reducing disaster risks. It also strengthens community resilience against conflict, displacement, and climate shocks.
