The African Development Bank (AfDB) has allocated US$47.7 million as refundable loans at a zero interest rate for South Sudanese women and youth.
According to the African Development Bank, the money is meant to empower the citizens.
The Minister of Finance and Planning, Agak Achuil Deng, signed for the funding on behalf of the government, whereas the African Development Bank Country Manager, Themba Bhebhe, signed on behalf of partners on Thursday.
The three-year programme, which is a youth enterprise and capacity building project, will also enable the ministries of youth and sports, gender and social welfare to empower the beneficiaries to become resilient and shun hostility.
It will further address the country’s food security through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to rehabilitate agriculture schemes, including those in Aweil, among others.
Speaking at the signing ceremony at the ministry of finance and planning on Thursday, Achuil thanked the partners and promised transparency in the utilisation of the grant to benefit the targeted groups.
“The implementation of this project must be done well according to what is written in the book. So the ministries should keep an eye on the project so that it is implemented to benefit the targeted people,” said Agak.
Dr. Albino Bol, Minister of Youth and Sport, Josephine Lagu, UNDP Country Representative Dr Samuel Doe, Peterson Magoola, UN Women Country Representative, and FAO deputy head of Programme, Felix Dzvrumi, as well as senior government officials, attended the signing ceremony.
“There is no doubt that this project will deliver on its intended benefits to the youth of South Sudan. The private sector will be more vibrant with the entry of new youth-led medium-sized enterprises to grow,” said Dr Albino.
“We will create not only employment for the young people, but [also] give them a better life devoid of challenges brought about by being in the humanitarian situation and the increasing food insecurity that has [affected] our country for so long,” he stressed.
In touch with others
Mr Bhebhe promised the African Development Bank’s continuous support in all sectors for South Sudan to catch up with other countries in development.
“I assure that in our regional support we are not leaving South Sudan behind… the African Development remains very optimistic for the successful implementation of this project,” Mr Bhebhe said.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Josephine Lagu, commended the African Development Bank and partners for the grant.
She said it would help the existing women’s small enterprises become more self-reliant as well as improve the economy of the country.
“Some women have embarked on small-scale businesses with the little money they get. So I want to plead with the development partners to do more for our [women] to continue with the good work they are doing with the little they get,” Josephine said.