South Sudan Launches $10M Initiative To Empower Women Entrepreneurs In Juba

By Debora Akur Chol, South Sudan

The South Sudanese government, in collaboration with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the South Sudan Social and Economic Empowerment Project (SSWSEEP), has launched a $10 million initiative aimed at empowering 1,500 women entrepreneurs in Juba.

The two-year initiative, titled the Women Entrepreneurial Opportunity Facility, is funded by the World Bank and seeks to equip women with market-driven skills, enhance their business acumen, and improve their access to financial services for women-led businesses.

This project is specifically designed to address the challenges women face in running micro, small, medium, and large businesses, while creating a supportive environment to foster their growth and success.

At the launch event in Juba on Thursday, South Sudan’s Minister of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, Aya Benjamin Warille, emphasized the initiative’s goal of creating an inclusive society with equal access to economic opportunities for women.

“This fund aims to provide women entrepreneurs with financial support, training, and resources to help them grow their businesses.

“Through this, we are not only empowering women but also contributing to the broader economic development of South Sudan,” Minister Warille stated.

Cosmas Ayella, Deputy Program Director of the IRC, underscored the significance of the project in equipping women with essential skills and resources.

“This initiative marks a major step in supporting over 1,200 women-owned businesses in South Sudan by offering vital business and financial skills, technical advisory services, and access to financing,” Ayella said.

Lansana Wonneh, Program Manager of SSWSEEP, noted that the project would generate employment opportunities and stimulate the national economy.

“This initiative is a transformative effort by the government, backed by the World Bank. The Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare’s primary aim is to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment in South Sudan. SSWSEEP plays a crucial role in fulfilling this mission,” Wonneh explained.

This initiative is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing gender equality and driving economic growth in South Sudan, where women entrepreneurs often encounter significant barriers to accessing resources and opportunities.