Juba — As the whole world struggles to migrate from analog into digital communication systems, South Sudan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting yesterday inked an agreement with ZTE, a Chinese Telecommunication Company, to assist the Republic of South Sudan meet the 2015 digital world initiative expectations.

According to the minister for Information and Broadcasting, Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin, this 51 million dollar project only targets the first phase which revolves around equipment and infrastructure. He announced that the project will be funded by Chinese government through Exim-Bank.

Dr Benjamin emphasised that the government is keen to transform communication systems in the country from analog to digital in spite of the economic challenges it currently faces. He said this will be achieved through the support of friendly nations and development partners.

ZTE leaders emphasised that South Sudan has no option but move towards digital communication or risk exclusion. They said ZTE is committed to support South Sudan to take the necessary steps to realise the analog-digital migration in the shortest time possible.