FY 2024 South Sudan Country Opinion Survey Report ECR Business Intelligence Team | November 2024 Acknowledgements The South Sudan Country Opinion Survey is part of the County Opinion Survey Program series of the World Bank Group. This report was prepared by the Business Intelligence (BI) team, led by José De Buerba (Senior External Affairs Officer) and Svetlana Markova (Senior External Affairs Officer). Yulia Danilina, Jessica Cameron, Nan Lin, and Sofya Gubaydullina oversaw the design, reporting, and analysis of the survey results. Noreen Wambui and Irina Popova provided data support. BI acknowledges the significant contribution from the South Sudan country team and independent field agency, Forcier Consulting. In particular, BI is grateful for the support from Zewditu Banteyehun Haile (Senior Operations Officer) and Lomoro Abdalla John Sindani (Communication Consultant), who coordinated the survey- related activities from Juba, South Sudan. Contents Objectives Methodology Overview Overall Context Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in South Sudan World Bank Group’s Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work The Future Role of the World Bank Group in South Sudan Communication and Outreach Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology 3 Objectives This survey was designed to assist the World Bank Group (WBG) better understand how stakeholders in South Sudan perceive the WBG. The survey explored the following questions: 1. Overall Context: How familiar are stakeholders with the WBG? How much do they trust the WBG? 2. Key Indicators: What opinion do key stakeholders have of the WBG regarding its effectiveness, relevance, alignment with South Sudan’s development priorities, and other key indicators? 3. Development Priorities: What areas of development are perceived to be the most important? How effective is the WBG perceived to be in these areas? 4. Engagement on the Ground: How is the WBG perceived as a development partner in South Sudan? 5. Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work: What do key stakeholders value the most regarding the WBG’s work in South Sudan? What opinion do key stakeholders have of WBG financial instruments and knowledge products? What are stakeholders’ suggestions for improving WBG’s effectiveness? 6. Communication and Outreach: What are the preferred communication channels? Are there differences among stakeholder groups in terms of preferred channels? 7. Message Recall: What key topics do stakeholders recall when the WBG communicates? Is there a relationship between message recall and views of the WBG’s work? 4 Methodology Overview Government Institution 30% ▪ Fielded July – August 2024 ▪ 347 potential participants were asked to complete a mostly Civil Society Organization 16% quantitative survey ▪ Respondents filled out the questionnaire either online or in Bilateral / Multilateral Agency 10% person with a representative from the survey company. ▪ List of names provided by the WBG country team and supplemented by the field agency Private Sector 10% ▪ Process managed on the ground by the field agency Media 10% ▪ 175 participants (50% response rate) Office of a Parliamentarian (The ▪ 82% from Juba region Transitional National Legislative 9% Assembly) ▪ 68% currently collaborate with the WBG Academia / Research Centers 6% Local Government Office or Staff 4% Office of the President, Prime 3% Minister, Minister Click here for details of the Respondent Sample and Methodology. Which of the following best describes your current affiliation? Q (Select only 1 response) (Percentage of Respondents, N=175) 5 6 Overall Context “Enhance partnership and support to accountability institutions. Lack of accountability is much to be blamed for most of what is going wrong in South Sudan. The country is endowed with many resources, and what counts is how these resources are used. Support accountability institutions can help in achieving better results that what is currently is the case.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in South Sudan? (N=151) Stakeholders Most Familiar with the UN, Followed Closely by the WBG United Nations 8.0 ▪ Respondents in this year’s Country Survey were asked to indicate their familiarity with the work of several international organizations and the World Bank Group World Bank Group 7.8 (WBG). Of these organizations, respondents in South Sudan indicated the highest levels of familiarity with the work of the United Nations (UN), followed closely by the World Bank Group. Respondents were least European Union 6.8 familiar with the work of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). African Development Bank (AfDB) 6.8 African Union 6.7 International Monetary Fund 6.1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Familiarity How familiar are you with the work of these organizations in South Sudan? Q Scale: (1-"Not familiar at all,” 10-"Extremely familiar") 7 Familiarity with the World Bank Group ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who indicated All Respondents* 7.8 that they collaborate with the WBG reported significantly higher levels of familiarity with the institution’s work: Bilateral/Multilateral Agency 8.2 Mean familiarity: Collaborate with WBG = 8.4 Private Sector 8.2 Do not collaborate = 6.5 Government Institutions 8.0 ▪ Stakeholders: Respondents from bilateral or multilateral agencies and the private sector indicated the highest levels of familiarity with the WBG compared to all other Office of a Parliamentarian 8.0 groups of respondents. Media 7.8 Academia 7.7 CSO 6.9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Familiarity The Government Institutions group includes representatives from the Office of the President, the Prime Minister's Office, Ministers, and various other governmental bodies. However, the sample did not have sufficient representation from local government respondents to be How familiar are you with the work of the World Bank Group in South Sudan? Q Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Extremely familiar (N=175) included in the stakeholder analysis. 8 *Significant difference between stakeholder groups Trust in the WBG World Bank Group 7.6 Stakeholders in South Sudan had the highest levels of trust Media 7.3 in the WBG, followed by the media and civil society. According to respondents, the local government, the Civil society (e.g., NGOs, CBOs) 7.3 national government, the parliament, and the Bank of South Sudan were among the least trusted institutions. United Nations 7.2 ▪ Respondents from government institutions reported relatively higher trust ratings in the WBG (mean = 8.3) Academia / research centers 7.1 than respondents from other groups. However, this difference has not been statistically significant. Regional development banks (African 6.9 Development Bank) International Monetary Fund 6.7 Private sector 6.3 Local government 5.3 National government 5.0 Parliament / legislative branch 5.0 Bank of South Sudan 5.0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 How much do you trust each of the following institutions to do what is right for South Sudan? Q Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much (N=~160) Mean Rating of Trust 9 10 Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group “I think it’s critical for the WB to do an objective appraisal of partners to implement projects on their behalf so as to ensure the right products are delivered at the end of the day.” (Bilateral / Multilateral Respondent) “The WBG must have first good intentions for their support. Development of local talent/skills to avoid time lost as the international experts are wasting in coping with the cultural differences. This could add more value to their support and increase effectiveness and efficiency.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in South Sudan? (N=151) Key Performance Indicators Are Mostly Positive In FY24, respondents gave the highest ratings for the Relevant role in development 7.5 WBG’s relevance to South Sudan’s development. They also gave rather positive ratings for the WBG’s effectiveness in helping South Sudan achieve development results, positive influence on shaping Effectiveness in helping South 7.3 development policy, and alignment with the country’s Sudan achieve results development priorities. Respondents gave relatively lower ratings for the Bank’s help ending poverty in South Sudan. Positive influence on shaping 7.2 development policy Alignment with development 6.9 priorities Helps end poverty in South Sudan 6.3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in South Sudan. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Q How effective is the WBG in helping South Sudan achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective The WBG has a positive influence on shaping development policy in South Sudan. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for South Sudan. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG’s work helps end poverty in South Sudan. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree 11 Stakeholders from 8.3 8.0 8.1 Government Institutions Trust the WBG to do what is right for South Sudan 6.6 7.0 Have More Positive 6.9 7.3 Perceptions of WBG 7.9 8.4 Relevant role in 8.1 6.7 development* 7.4 Comparisons of key performance indicator ratings 7.5 between stakeholder groups show that respondents 5.8 from the office of a Parliamentarian tended to give 7.8 Government the WBG higher ratings across all KPIs. In contrast, 7.8 Institutions Effectiveness in helping 7.4 respondents from civil society had the lowest South Sudan achieve 6.2 Office of a ratings. results 6.4 Parliamentarian 7.5 Bilateral/ 6.7 Multilateral Agency 7.5 Civil Society 7.9 Organization Positive influence on 7.8 shaping development 6.3 Private Sector policy 7.8 7.4 Academia 6.5 7.4 Media 7.4 Alignment with 7.6 6.2 development priorities 6.1 *Significant 6.8 difference between 5.9 stakeholder groups 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Q For question wording and scales, please see the previous slide. Mean Rating 12 Familiarity Leads to More Positive Perceptions Trust the WBG to do what is right 6.6 8.1 for South Sudan* 6.5 Comparing key performance indicators ratings among respondents highly familiar with the WBG 7.9 Relevant role in development* 6.7 (ratings of 8-10 on a 10-point scale) and those with 6.7 little familiarity with the WBG (ratings of 1-4 on a 10- point scale), one can see that the more familiar 7.7 stakeholders are with the WBG, the more positive Positive influence on shaping 6.5 their perceptions of it and its work are. development policy* 6.2 Meaningful engagement and outreach can 7.6 Effectiveness in helping South continue to increase positive perceptions. 6.4 Sudan achieve results 7.4 7.4 Alignment with development 6.3 priorities* 5.4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating How familiar are you with the work of the WBG in South Sudan? High Familiarity (8-10) Some Familiarity (5-7) Low Familiarity (1-4) *Significant difference between levels of familiarity How much do you trust the WBG to do what is right for South Sudan? Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much Q The WBG currently plays a relevant role in South Sudan. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG has a positive influence on shaping development policy in South Sudan. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree How effective is the WBG in helping South Sudan achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for South Sudan. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree 13 South Sudan’s Key Performance Indicators are Higher than those of Other Eastern and Southern African or IDA Countries 7.6 Trust the WBG to do what is right for 7.0 South Sudan 6.8 7.5 Relevant role in development 6.9 6.8 7.3 Effectiveness in helping South Sudan 7.1 achieve results 6.9 7.2 Posititve influence on shaping 7.1 South Sudan FY24 development policy 6.9 Other IDA FY24^ 6.9 Other AFE FY24^^ Alignment with development priorities 6.8 6.6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating ^ Other IDA Countries FY24: Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Lao PDR, Lesotho, Maldives, Mauritania, Senegal, Solomon Q Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Togo, and Zambia ^^ Other Eastern and Southern African Countries (AFE) FY24: Burundi, Comoros, Lesotho, Namibia, Seychelles, Somalia, Zambia 14 Aggregated Performance Indicators Respondents from government institutions had the All Respondents 6.9 highest mean rating across the aggregated responses to the eighteen COS indicator questions, whereas Government Institutions 7.3 respondents from civil society had lower ratings. ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who Academia 7.0 indicated that they collaborated with the WBG reported significantly higher ratings across the Bilateral/Multilateral Agency 7.0 aggregated indicator questions than respondents who did not collaborate with the WBG. Office of a Parliamentarian 7.0 Mean rating: Collaborate with WBG = 7.4 Do not collaborate = 5.8 Media 6.8 Private Sector 6.3 CSOs 6.1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Aggregated Indicator Questions Q All Indicator Questions were asked on a Scale from 1 to 10. Click here for details of these Indicator Questions. 15 16 World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas “Promote financial inclusion by supporting microfinance facility in South Sudan.” (Academia Respondent) “Infrastructural development, energy and water sanitation as a priority.” (Government Principal Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in South Sudan? (N=151) WBG: Focal Development Agriculture / food security 64% Areas Public financial management and governance 49% Education 46% In FY24, about two-thirds of the respondents identified agriculture/food security as the top area where Institutional strengthening / capacity building 39% stakeholders would like the WBG to focus its resources. Transport infrastructure 32% Public financial management and governance and Water / sanitation 27% education were also perceived as top areas where the WBG should prioritize to have the most impact. Health / pandemic preparedness 26% Private sector development was a much higher priority Private sector development 24% for respondents from the private sector (56%), and gender equity was a higher priority for respondents from Climate change 21% academia (45%). Environment / natural resource management 18% Energy 18% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG Gender equity 15% could do to help increase its effectiveness in South Sudan? Social protection 13% “Strength the agricultural sector. Empower women economically. Debt management 13% Development the infrastructure such as electricity, roads.” (Civil Society Organization Respondent) Digital infrastructure development 13% Jobs 10% Urban development 8% Which areas should the WBG prioritize to have the most impact on development results in South 17 Q Sudan? (Select up to 5) (Percentage of Respondents, N=173) Effectiveness of WBG’s Sectoral Support The WBG’s work in health received the highest effectiveness ratings, whereas its work in energy/extractives received the lowest. Human Development Finance / Institutions / Economic Growth Health 7.0 Financial sector support 6.7 Gender equity 6.6 Education 6.4 Public sector capacity building 6.6 Social protection 6.2 Infrastructure Social inclusion 5.8 Water supply and sanitation 5.5 Environmental Sustainability Transport 4.6 Digital development 4.5 Agriculture and food security 6.3 Energy / extractives 3.8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Effectiveness How effective has the WBG been at achieving development results in each of these areas in South Sudan? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective Q (If you have NO exposure to/experience in working in any of the sectors listed below, please respond “Don’t know”) 18 19 World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in South Sudan “Allow for inputs from local and national government institutions during planning and implementation of service delivery improvement interventions. Ensure financial resources for service delivery improvement in every sector are managed by multi-stakeholder groups with clear accountability and reporting guidelines.” (Private Sector Respondent) “Collaborating with CSOs, private sectors, media, and our academia/research center to increase their effectiveness in South Sudan.” (Media Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in South Sudan? (N=151) The WBG is Seen as a Long-term Partner In FY24, respondents perceived the WBG as a long-term partner in South Sudan. Ratings for its responsiveness, Being a long-term partner to 7.8 openness, and staff accessibility were moderately positive. South Sudan Respondents gave the lowest rating for the flexibility of the Bank’s work. Civil society respondents reported significantly lower ratings of Responsiveness to needs in the WBG staff accessibility (mean = 4.5). 6.5 South Sudan In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in South Sudan? Openness (sharing data and “Work with all levels of policymakers and bureaucrats across 6.1 other information) multiple sectors to identify needs and gaps. It is also necessary to work with existing education and training institutions and programs. Aligning with national and local government priorities not only enhances synergy but also fosters local ownership and accountability to citizens and civil society organizations.” Access to WBG staff and 6.0 (Academia Respondent) experts “The World Bank should be more reachable to partners to improve coordination.” (Civil Society Respondent) Flexibility when circumstances “…Rigidity in funds allocation for the project's activities during the 5.6 change in South Sudan planning phase affects or compromises the quality of the project's deliverables.” (Government Institution Respondent) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in terms of the following? Q Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree 20 The WBG is Seen as Effectively Collaborating with the IMF and the National Government The International Monetary 7.8 In FY24, respondents perceived the WBG as effectively Fund (IMF) collaborating with the IMF and the national government, followed by the Bank of South Sudan and other donors National government 7.8 and development partners. Bank of South Sudan 7.7 Collaboration with the parliament and local government was rated as relatively less effective. Other donors and 7.6 development partners Civil society 6.8 Media 6.4 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Academia / research centers 6.3 South Sudan? “Working more with civil society and particularly the women- Private sector 6.2 led organizations.” (Civil Society Respondent) Local government 6.0 Parliament / legislative 6.0 branch 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in South Sudan, in terms of collaborating with the following groups? Q Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree 21 Stakeholders Want the WBG to Collaborate More with the Private Sector and Civil Society Private sector 34% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in South Sudan? Civil society (e.g., NGOs, 34% “1. Collaboration with partners and government agencies on specific CBOs) areas agreed to allow their voices to be heard so they feel involved in decision making. Bank of South Sudan 27% 2. Listening to the concerns raised by beneficiaries and adopting better options based on agreed issues. Most projects are community- based base, and such listening voices are needed for the projects to Local government 24% be successful and have considerable impact; otherwise, you would wonders at a later stage. There are many examples pertaining to this since the transitional period and early independent time, and gaps Other donors and 20% exist development partners 3. Engage directly with the government; this will create a conducive environment to boost collaboration with government partners. Academia / research 20% 4. In most cases, decisions are made without proper consultations, centers and this has created many unsolved issues in project management instead Parliament / legislative 13% 4. Sometimes, it is good for the government to take a lead in this branch kind of design the Bank is very fascinated about such an arrangement, and it is a conducive environment for the government Media 12% to take more responsibility and shoulder some of the things that they may be reluctant to do while being done by the third party The International arrangements.” 8% Monetary Fund (IMF) ( Bilateral / Multilateral Agency Respondent) Other 2% In addition to its partnership with the national government, which of the following should the WBG collaborate with more to have greater impact in Q South Sudan? (Select up to 2) (Percentage of Respondents, N=169) 22 23 World Bank Group’s Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work “Continuous engagement and follow up with stakeholders (all government institutions) under World Bank financed project to assess performance levels. Enhance the capacity of staff implementing projects through tailored training.” (Government Institution Respondent) “Work together with the institutions by cooperation and collaboration to by their capacity and to facilitate their work.” (Government Principal Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in South Sudan? (N=151) Technical Assistance, Technical assistance and implementation support (incl. project 43% Capacity Development, design and implementation) and Financial Resources Capacity development and training 43% are Regarded as the Bank’s most Valuable Financial resources (e.g., investment lending, grants, trust funds) 43% Contributions Knowledge and analytical products 18% (e.g., data, reports, policy notes) In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to increase its effectiveness in South Convening / bringing together different Sudan? 13% groups of stakeholders “Invest more in the analytics space.” (Bilateral / Multilateral Respondent) Mobilizing third-party financial “Continue capacity building to installations through resources (incl. both public and 11% workshops, seminars, and study tours for South Sudanese private) to learn from regional and globally.” (Government Principal Respondent) Donor coordination 10% Other 3% Which WBG instruments do you VALUE the most in South Sudan? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=173) 24 WBG is Perceived as Effectively Monitoring and Evaluating Projects and Insisting on Accountability Regarding the WBG’s financial instruments, respondents The WBG effectively monitors and evaluates the projects it supports in 7.8 were most agreeable that the WBG effectively monitors South Sudan and evaluates the projects it supports in South Sudan and insists on accountability through its lending. They gave lower ratings for the competitiveness of the WBG The WBG insists on accountability through its lending (e.g., financing and for the Bank’s meeting the country’s needs. performance-based financing, 7.7 resources tied to results) The WBG’s Environmental and Social Framework requirements are 7.3 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the reasonable WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in South Sudan? “To build institutional capacity, to promote accountability The conditions of the WBG’s and transparency.” financing are competitive compared 6.1 (Government Institution Respondent) to markets The WBG’s financial instruments (i.e., grants, trust funds) meet the needs of 6.1 South Sudan 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating Q To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree 25 67% of Respondents Used WBG’s Knowledge Work; Those Who Did Reported Very Positive Views Ratings of those who reported using WBG knowledge work Respondents who used WBG’s knowledge work anticipate I anticipate using the WBG’s knowledge work in the future 8.2 using it in the future. They perceive that WBG’s knowledge work significantly contributes to the country’s development results. Respondents particularly value WBG’s WBG's knowledge work contributes to development results in South Sudan 8.0 knowledge work for bringing global expertise to South Sudan and its contribution to building South Sudan’s The WBG brings global expertise to institutional capacity. South Sudan as part of its knowledge 7.9 work Respondents’ qualitative comments about the WBG’s knowledge work focused mainly on the need for more Working with the WBG increases South Sudan’s institutional capacity 7.8 capacity-building and training of local experts. In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in I am satisfied with the quality of the South Sudan? 7.6 WBG’s knowledge work in South Sudan “Empowering the Government Special projects and hence capacity building to the local government at the grassroots The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored [level]. We cannot embark on development initiatives when to South Sudan’s context 7.1 6.3 among technical persons are not trained and made professional in those who everything they do.” haven’t used (Government Institution Respondent) WBG When I need to consult the WBG’s knowledge work, I know how to find it 7.0 knowledge To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Q How significant a contribution do you believe the WBG’s knowledge work makes to development results in South 1 2 3 4 5 6 Mean Rating 7 8 9 10 Sudan? Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant Have you ever used the WBG’s knowledge work, including participating in workshops or training programs? 26 (Percentage of Respondents, N=166) 27 The Future Role of the World Bank Group in South Sudan “The WBG needs to deepen and strengthen its partnership with the local government at the state and county levels. This will increase ownership, improve accountability, and strengthen citizen participation.” (Civil Society Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in South Sudan? (N=151) How can the WBG increase its effectiveness? Open Ended Responses Communication • Increase visibility of WBG’s work and its • Agriculture and food security impact on the population Focus Area • Education and health 4% • Better documentation and dissemination of 30% • Youth development and gender equity project results • Public sector governance • Energy and infrastructure development Focus Area • More financing directly to the Financial private sector Support • Provide more grants and loans to Knowledge targeted groups and development • Strengthening institutional capacity 6% Knowledge • Build the capacity of local experts sectors Communication 23% • Provide more training and technical Financial support Operational • Simplify procurement procedures Support Effectiveness • Expedite project implementation Operational • Greater adaptability to the Effectiveness Engagement 7% • Collaborate more with local government changing context Results Engagement and civil society 15% • Foster community involvement in projects’ life cycle Results • Robust M&E • Be more reachable 14% • Support accountability institutions In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to increase its effectiveness in Namibia? (N=151) Q *All percentages are counted based on the total number of topics mentioned by the respondents; individual comments could be counted multiple times depending on the number of topics they cover. 28 How can the WBG increase its effectiveness? Open Ended Responses Engagement Knowledge “I would like to see the World Bank engage more directly with national institutions to build the “Invest in building local capacity within government institutions and civil society knowledge base of the country through research. Work closely with the private sector and empower them to build sustainable development projects in South Sudan and empower organizations. This includes providing training, technical assistance, and resources to South Sudanese to become experts in different fields so that they can take up consultant improve governance, financial management, and project implementation skills.” roles with knowledge of the context of the country.” (Academia Respondent) (Media Respondent) “WBG should listen to the government technical team on what benefits the country instead of “Organizations of capacity building for leaders at state /Administrative areas Assemblies, enforcing policies that have no relevancy in the project implementation or creating an impact ministers of finances, chairs of finances committee such that national MPs of finance based on local context. I am aware that WBG projects will only have an impact if the team listens more to the beneficiaries than being defensive and responding without proper committee can share experience on budget making process gain at the region during the understanding. This will WBG will improve project implementation in South Sudan.” benchmarking Tour to Kenya and Rwanda.” (Government Principal Respondent) (Government Institution Respondent) “Assist with documentation and dissemination of project results to local participants in a “They have to conduct education outreach programs and empower the employees through manner that they can own the projects in which they are involved.” training.” (Government Institution Respondent) (Academia Respondent) “To have more context in understanding the reality in South Sudan. Be flexible. Meet with a variety of partners.” (Civil Society Respondent) Operational Effectiveness Result “Simplifying procurement procedures.” “WBG must ensure that individual project and - crucially - its portfolio as a whole adheres to (Government Principal Respondent) the principle of do-no-harm. That means acting carefully when choosing partners to “The WBG needs to support the government on an individual, institutional basis. The third- implement projects. Although certain projects requires gov-implementation, WBG should party arrangement cripples institutions that would otherwise be on their way to success. A always consider the alternative cost of working with an ineffective and corrupt government which often only serves to further entrench the roots of both conflict and lack of case-by-case basis is desired.” (Government development.." (Bilateral / Multilateral Respondent) Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to increase its effectiveness in Namibia? (N=151) 29 30 Communication and Outreach “The World Bank should engage in training and capacity building, creating awareness because a lot of people hear of the World Bank but they don't know what it is doing.” (Civil Society Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in South Sudan? (N=151) Direct Contact and the WBG Events were Most Preferred Channels for Receiving WBG Communication About two-thirds of respondents preferred receiving the Bank’s communications through direct contact with staff. The WBG events (in person or online) were also a very popular channel among respondents. Preferred WBG Channel Bilateral / All Government Office of a Multilateral Civil Society Respondents Institutions Parliamentarian Agency Organization Private Sector Academia Media Direct contact with staff (e.g., in person, virtually, phone, 63.7% 70.7% 50.0% 70.6% 73.1% 62.5% 60.0% 38.9% email) Event / conference / seminar / 46.4% 55.2% 56.3% 41.2% 30.8% 37.5% 30.0% 38.9% workshop (in person or online) Direct messaging (e.g., 26.8% 24.1% 31.3% 23.5% 26.9% 25.0% 30.0% 33.3% WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) Visiting the WBG’s country 17.3% 15.5% 6.3% 17.6% 19.2% 12.5% 40.0% 27.8% page/website Social media (e.g., Facebook, 16.1% 12.1% 18.8% 5.9% 19.2% 25.0% 20.0% 22.2% Twitter) e-Newsletters 11.9% 5.2% 12.5% 29.4% 15.4% 25.0% 0.0% 11.1% Other 1.8% 1.7% 6.3% 5.9% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% How would you prefer to receive communication from the WBG? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=168) 31 More than 8 in 10 Direct contact with WBG staff (e.g., in 63% Respondents Recalled person, virtually, phone, email) Event / conference / seminar (in person or Seeing or Hearing online) 43% Information About the WBG WBG websites 40% Social media 38% 82% of respondents recalled seeing or hearing something about the WBG recently. Radio 29% Respondents most often reported seeing that information through direct contact with WBG staff or through WBG Newspapers (print or online) 28% events/conferences/seminars. Television (TV) 24% Direct messaging (e.g., WhatsApp, 19% Telegram, Viber) e-Newsletters 12% Other 7% Blogs 7% Podcasts 5% Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WBG recently? (N=167) Q Where do you recall seeing or hearing this information? (Select ALL that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=136) 32 WBG’s Work on Food Security, Women Empowerment, and Climate Change were Most Frequently Recalled Topics Half the respondents recalled WBG’s work on food security, women empowerment, and climate change. They also frequently recalled the WBG’s work or research on poverty reduction in developing countries. WBG’s work or research on... Food security 50% Women empowerment 50% Climate change 49% Ending poverty in developing countries 42% Human capital 39% Youth development 38% WBG economic forecasts 33% Job creation / employment 32% Changes to the WBG financial and operational model 29% Digital economy 24% Debt relief for developing countries 22% Pandemic preparedness 21% Other 16% Q What topics were included in what you saw or heard about WBG’s work or research? (Select ALL that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=137) 33 Climate Change Communications can be More Impactful When Related to Stakeholders’ Top Concerns: More Frequent/Severe Floods and Food Insecurity Most respondents were very concerned about more frequent and severe floods as potential impacts of climate change in South Sudan. Decreased crop yields / increased food insecurity and climate-driven migration were also of great concern to respondents. These key areas of concern should be considered to make communications about climate change more impactful. Not at all A little Somewhat concerned Very concerned More frequent and severe floods 90% Decreased crop yields / increased food insecurity 87% Climate-driven migration 76% More frequent and severe droughts 72% Loss of jobs 72% Land and forest degradation 68% Decreased water availability / quality 66% More frequent and severe heatwaves 61% Air pollution 57% Extinction of plant / animal species 56% Increased erosion of shoreline 48% More frequent and intense wildfires 47% Coastal flooding due to sea level rise 45% Q How concerned are you about the following potential impacts of climate change in South Sudan? (Percentage of Respondents, N=~158) 34 35 Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology Sample Demographics What is the primary specialization Do you of your work? (N=167) collaborate/work No Public sector governance 20% with the World Bank 32% Other 14% Group (WBG) in South Sudan? Education 10% (N=175) Macroeconomics, fiscal / debt management 8% Yes Agriculture and food security 7% 68% Generalist (specialize in multiple sectors) 7% Social protection 6% Gender equity 5% Private sector development / trade 5% Health / pandemic preparedness 4% Legal / human rights 3% Which of the IFC Water / sanitation 3% following WBG 30% agencies do you Digital development 2% collaborate/work Climate change 2% with in South Sudan? Urban development 1% (N=119) World Bank Transport 1% (IDA) 89% Environment / natural resource management 1% Energy 1% 36 Sample Demographics (continued) What’s your age? What is your gender? (N=169) (N=168) 36-45 37% 46-55 26% Female 19% 56 and above 22% 26-35 12% 25 or younger 2% Male 81% Outside Juba 18% Which best represents your geographic South Sudan (N=168) location? Juba 82% 37 Detailed Methodology From July 2024 to August 2024, a total of 347 stakeholders in South Sudan were invited to provide their opinions on the WBG’s work by participating in a Country Opinion Survey Percentage of Respondents FY 2024 (COS). A list of potential participants was compiled by the WBG country team and the field Government Principals: Office of the agency. Participants were drawn from the Office of the President, Prime Minister, Minister, President, Prime Minister, Minister, 13% Parliamentarian and Parliament, government institutions, local governments, bilateral and multilateral agencies, the private sector, civil society, academia, and the media. Government Institutions: Employee of a Ministry, Department, Project Implementation Unit, Independent Government Institution, 30% Of these stakeholders, 175 participated in the survey (50% response rate). Judiciary, State-Owned Enterprise Respondents completed the questionnaire in person with a representative from the fielding firm or via an online platform. Local Government 4% Key statistically significant findings (tested at the research standard of p < .05) are noted Bilateral/Multilateral Agency: Embassy, Development Organization, Development 10% throughout the report. Bank, UN Agency Breakdowns for individual questions by stakeholder group can be found in the “South Civil Society Organization: Local and regional NGOs, Community-Based Sudan COS FY24 Appendices with data breakdowns.xlsx” file published in the WBG Organization, Private Foundation, 16% Microdata Library, along with the survey microdata and this report. Professional/Trade Association, Faith-Based Group, Youth Group Private Sector: Private Company, Financial Sector Organization, Private Bank 10% Academia/Research Center 6% Media 10% Total Number of Respondents 175 Q Which of the following best describes your current affiliation? (Select only 1 response) 38 Indicator Questions Every country that engages in the Country Opinion Survey (COS) must include specific indicator questions, several of which are aggregated for the World Bank Group’s annual Corporate Scorecard and are highlighted in red below. A1_5. How much do you trust the World Bank Group to do what is right for South Sudan? Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much A2. How effective is the World Bank Group in helping South Sudan achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective A3. How significant a contribution do you believe the WBG's knowledge work make to development results in South Sudan? Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree A4. The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in South Sudan. A5. The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for South Sudan. A6. The WBG has a positive influence on shaping development policy in South Sudan A7. The WBG’s work helps end poverty in South Sudan To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in terms of each of the following? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C1_1. Responsiveness to needs in South Sudan C1_2. Access to WBG staff and experts C1_3. Flexibility when circumstances change in South Sudan C1_5. Being a long-term partner to South Sudan To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in South Sudan in terms of collaborating with the following groups: Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C2_1. National government C2_6. Private sector C2_7. Civil society C2_8. Other donor and development partners To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree C4_1. The WBG’s financial instruments (i.e., budget support, loans, grants, trust funds) meet the needs of South Sudan. C6_1. I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s knowledge work in South Sudan. C6_4. The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to South Sudan’s context. 39 Thank you For more information about this report or the Country Opinion Survey program, please contact: countrysurveys@worldbankgroup.org