Whistleblower Exposes AIAL Group’s Underperformance in South Sudan Despite Ambitious $55M Investment Plan

A United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based company, AIAL Group Ltd., is facing intense scrutiny following allegations that, as of January 2025, it has invested only about $54.99 million in South Sudanese infrastructure projects—yet its tangible contributions are limited to constructing a minor fence at Juba International Airport.

This revelation, brought to light by an anonymous whistleblower, raises serious doubts about the company’s commitment to its contractual obligations and the actual utilization of the substantial funds it claims to have allocated.

According to official documents obtained exclusively by Kenya Insights, AIAL Group pledged a total of $226.17 million for a series of ambitious development projects across South Sudan.

These include the construction of an airport and highways, the digitization of government services, the building of educational institutions, and the upgrading of security systems and automation for the Central Bank and National Legislative Assembly. The company positioned these initiatives as transformative for the region’s infrastructure and economy.

However, in a letter dated January 22, 2025, addressed to Ali Al Tamimi and signed by AIAL Group’s Executive Vice President Dr. Nurudin Mithani, the company acknowledged significant challenges hampering its operations in South Sudan. Dr. Mithani cited government-related obstacles, cash flow crises, and delays in project implementation, emphasizing the firm’s tireless efforts to conduct feasibility studies, site surveys, and negotiations. He sought feedback and recommendations to overcome these hurdles and fulfill the company’s commitments.

The whistleblower’s account, however, paints a starkly different picture.

Speaking on condition of anonymity due to fear of retaliation, the source provided the same documents and alleged that AIAL Group’s physical presence in South Sudan is minimal. “The company’s claims of substantial investments are grossly exaggerated,” the whistleblower stated. “The only visible project is a fence at Juba International Airport, which does not align with the millions they assert to have spent.”

This suggests that, despite the reported $54.99 million investment—approximately 24% of the total pledged funds—little to no progress has been made on the broader portfolio of projects.

A section of Juba International AirPort.

Industry experts expressed skepticism about the feasibility of AIAL Group’s reported investments, given South Sudan’s ongoing political instability and economic challenges. “Large-scale infrastructure projects in this region require not only funding but also stable partnerships and clear governmental support—both of which have been elusive,” said one analyst, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

Attempts to verify the whistleblower’s claims with AIAL Group and South Sudanese officials have been unsuccessful, with the company declining to comment and government spokespersons unavailable for response.

This discrepancy has sparked calls for an independent audit of AIAL Group’s operations in South Sudan. Critics argue that foreign investment, while potentially beneficial, must be transparent and deliver tangible results rather than unfulfilled promises.

As the investigation continues, the true extent of AIAL Group’s contributions—and the challenges it faces—remains uncertain, leaving stakeholders questioning the future of this ambitious venture in one of Africa’s most challenging economic landscapes.