Juba, South Sudan – October 14, 2025
The WANI IGGA FOUNDATION (WIF) has announced a landmark appointment that promises to accelerate South Sudan’s development trajectory. Prof. Dr. Ripu Ranjan Sinha, internationally acclaimed development expert and strategic advisor, has been officially appointed as Honorary Secretary and International Strategic Advisor, effective September 24, 2025.
STRATEGIC APPOINTMENT CONFIRMED
The appointment was unanimously approved by WIF’s Board of Trustees and formally confirmed by H.E. Prof. James Wani Igga, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, through an official appointment letter dated September 26, 2025. This strategic move positions the Foundation to leverage international expertise and partnerships in advancing sustainable development and peacebuilding initiatives across South Sudan and the broader region.
DISTINGUISHED GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT LEADER
Prof. Dr. Ripu Ranjan Sinha brings extraordinary credentials to this role, with over two decades of distinguished service in global development, strategic advisory, and academic leadership. Known internationally as the “Man with Innovative Vision,” his career spans continents and cultures, consistently delivering transformational results in challenging development contexts.
KEY CREDENTIALS AND ACHIEVEMENTS:
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE:
- Ph.D. in Computer Science (Strategic Knowledge Management)
- Advanced training from prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT Kanpur and IIT Mumbai)
- Extensive research and publications in sustainable development and strategic knowledge management
CURRENT LEADERSHIP ROLES:
- Vice Chancellor, West Coast International University
- Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Asia), Commonwealth Vocational University, Kingdom of Tonga
- Development Consultant, Republic of South Sudan
- Founder & Director General, Asia Africa Development Council (ADCO)
- Regional Director (Asia), UN Sustainable Development Goal Network
VISIONARY DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORKS
Prof. Sinha is the architect of several groundbreaking initiatives that directly align with South Sudan’s development needs:
THE RED GREEN MOVEMENT 2030:
This comprehensive framework has gained international recognition for its innovative dual-pillar approach:
- RED PILLAR: Promoting Science, Technology, and Innovation as drivers of economic transformation
- GREEN PILLAR: Advancing Sustainable Development and Environmental Stewardship for long-term resilience
SOUTH SUDAN GREEN AND INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION 2030:
A transformative strategic blueprint specifically designed for South Sudan, integrating:
- United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030
- African Union Agenda 2063 aspirations
- Regional development frameworks
- National development priorities and aspirations
OFFICIAL MANDATE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
According to the official appointment documentation, Prof. Sinha’s strategic mandate encompasses:
INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIC ADVISORY:
- Providing expert advice to the Board and Executive leadership on international strategic matters
- Overseeing policy development related to global partnerships and collaborations
- Coordinating the Foundation’s international initiatives and stakeholder engagement
PARTNERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE:
- Offering guidance on governance matters and institutional strengthening
- Supporting efforts in securing and managing international collaborations
- Facilitating strategic funding partnerships and donor engagement opportunities
FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP RESPONDS
H.E. Prof. James Wani Igga, expressing his enthusiasm for this strategic appointment, stated: “Prof. Sinha’s appointment represents a transformational moment for our Foundation. His extensive experience in international development, combined with his proven track record in strategic advisory roles across multiple continents, positions our Foundation to significantly enhance its impact in South Sudan and the broader region. His visionary approach to development, particularly his ability to align local aspirations with global frameworks, will be instrumental in advancing our mission.”
COMMITMENT TO SOUTH SUDAN’S TRANSFORMATION
Prof. Sinha, accepting this honorary appointment, expressed his commitment: “I am deeply honored to join the WANI IGGA FOUNDATION in its noble mission. This appointment represents an extraordinary opportunity to contribute meaningfully to South Sudan’s development journey while applying proven principles of global cooperation and sustainable development. I am committed to supporting WIF’s transformational agenda through strategic partnerships, innovative approaches, and collaborative solutions that will directly benefit the people of South Sudan.”
FOUNDATION’S STRATEGIC POSITIONING
The WANI IGGA FOUNDATION has established itself as a premier humanitarian organization in South Sudan since its official registration with the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) on July 18, 2025. Operating under South Sudan’s NGO Act of 2016, WIF maintains full legal status as a National Non-Governmental Organization with comprehensive humanitarian regulation compliance.
MISSION AND OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK:
The Foundation operates under the inspiring mission: “Empowering South Sudan Through Humanitarian Service, Education, and Sustainable Development”
Its comprehensive operational framework encompasses:
- Humanitarian Advocacy: Championing the rights and welfare of displaced persons, refugees, and marginalized communities
- Strategic Advisory: Providing expert guidance to government bodies, international organizations, and development partners
- Charitable Activities: Implementing impactful grassroots programs addressing critical needs in food security, healthcare access, education, and livelihood support
ALIGNMENT WITH GLOBAL FRAMEWORKS:
WIF’s strategic approach aligns seamlessly with:
- African Union Agenda 2063 objectives
- South Sudan Development Plan (SSDP) 2026-2036 priorities
- United Nations Sustainable Development Goals framework
- National reconciliation and peacebuilding initiatives
EXPECTED TRANSFORMATIONAL OUTCOMES
Industry experts predict this strategic appointment will catalyze significant positive changes:
ENHANCED INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT:
- Strengthened partnerships with global development agencies and multilateral organizations
- Improved access to international funding mechanisms and technical assistance programs
- Enhanced South-South cooperation initiatives and continental collaboration
INNOVATIVE PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT:
- Technology-enabled service delivery models adapted to South Sudan’s unique context
- Evidence-based policy advocacy and strategic development planning
- Youth-centered and gender-responsive program implementation
INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY BUILDING:
- Enhanced strategic planning and governance capabilities
- Improved monitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks
- Strengthened organizational sustainability and impact measurement
FOUNDATION FOUNDER’S DISTINGUISHED BACKGROUND
H.E. Prof. James Wani Igga brings unparalleled leadership experience to the Foundation. Born in Kirilo, Juba County in 1949, his distinguished career spans military service during South Sudan’s liberation struggle, legislative leadership, and high-level political appointments. His service record includes transformational roles as Vice President of South Sudan, Speaker of the National Legislative Assembly, and SPLM Secretary General.
With academic credentials including a doctorate in business administration and recognition as an accomplished author, Dr. Igga’s leadership provides the Foundation with unique strategic advantages in navigating complex political and development landscapes while maintaining focus on humanitarian objectives.
STRATEGIC IMPACT ON SOUTH SUDAN’S DEVELOPMENT
This appointment comes at a critical juncture in South Sudan’s development journey. As the nation works to implement the Revitalized Peace Agreement and advance its national development objectives, the combination of local expertise and international strategic guidance represents a powerful catalyst for positive change.
The partnership between WIF’s deep understanding of South Sudan’s context and Prof. Sinha’s global development expertise creates unprecedented opportunities for:
- Innovative solution development addressing complex challenges
- Strategic resource mobilization and partnership building
- Sustainable capacity building and institutional strengthening
- Long-term peace and development integration
MEDIA AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Both H.E. Prof. James Wani Igga and Prof. Dr. Ripu Ranjan Sinha have indicated their availability for media interviews and stakeholder engagements to discuss the Foundation’s strategic direction and the implications of this significant appointment for South Sudan’s development landscape.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
WANI IGGA FOUNDATION
Location: BC Centre Building, 2nd Floor, Juba Town, South Sudan
Email: iggamaringf@gmail.com
Phone: +211 (0) 921 502 333 | +211 (0) 929 501 090 | +211 (0) 929 429 306
Website: https://waniiggafoundation.org
Strategic Leadership: https://waniiggafoundation.org/strategic-leadership/
Prof. Dr. Ripu Ranjan Sinha
Website: https://www.ripuranjansinha.in
Email: drsinhacs@gmail.com
LOOKING AHEAD
This strategic appointment signals a new chapter in South Sudan’s development narrative, one characterized by innovative approaches, strategic partnerships, and collaborative solutions. As WIF embarks on this enhanced phase of its mission, the combination of proven local leadership and distinguished international expertise promises to deliver lasting positive impact for the people of South Sudan.
The Foundation’s commitment to moving beyond traditional aid delivery to integrated, resilience-building development approaches, enhanced by Prof. Sinha’s strategic guidance, positions it to become a transformational force in South Sudan’s journey toward sustainable peace and prosperity.
For ongoing coverage of this developing story and exclusive interviews with Foundation leadership, follow our South Sudan development news section and international partnership updates.
