The initiative will generate employment opportunities, enhance the entrepreneurial skills through targeted training, and provide business development services for vulnerable S. Sudanese women and youth

By Ajah Jennifer

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the African Development Bank Group in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Trade have launched the Job Creation through Youth and Women-led Micro and Small Enterprises (JMSE).

The initiative will generate employment opportunities, enhance the entrepreneurial skills through targeted training, and provide business development services for women and youth, aged between 18 and 35 years.

The project will strengthen the coordination of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) to foster private sector development and economic sustainability, and support the growth of MSEs along six agricultural value chains, contributing to economic resilience and sustainable livelihoods

Dr. Muhammad Abchir, UNDP Country Representative said the project is a significant milestone for the economic empowerment of youth, women, and vulnerable communities, and reflects UNDP’s solid partnership with the government and partners to foster an inclusive and sustainable economic development in the country.

“The youth and women are the future of South Sudan. They are the entrepreneurs, innovators, role models, and community leaders shaping the country’s economic landscape. By organizing them into viable business enterprises, equipping them with business development skills, providing coaching and mentoring support, and facilitating access to finance and markets, we are unlocking the country’s potential and driver for economic transformation,” he stated.  

He also stressed that a first-of-its-kind financing would facilitate youth and women entrepreneurs to bring significant changes in the economic sector.  Youth enterprise development and capacity building project has trained close to 3,000 youth in business development and entrepreneurship supported 556 youth-led micro and small enterprises with interest-free loans.

Such efforts have created nearly 4,000 jobs, with 80% of women-led businesses reportedly increasing their revenues. Abchir started that such numbers were a powerful testimony that reflect the tangible impact of such projects.

 “We recognize that digital transformation is a key determinant of economic success. UNDP has established South Sudan’s largest and sole digital market platform, connecting over 4,000 MSCs to Wider markets. We have also established six innovation hubs providing essential business training, career counseling and e-learning opportunities,” he added.

Such digital innovations help youth and women entrepreneurs to gain access to critical resources, markets and information to ensure that they strive in the evolving business landscape.  The initiative would expand market access for youth and women, increasing revenue generation, improve access to finance and strengthen business development and entrepreneurship.

“By working together, we can expand financial inclusion, strengthen business development support and create more sustainable economic opportunities,” he said.

Ms. Marie- Helene Verney, the UNHCR Representative said the goal is to build peace, inclusiveness, and resilience in South Sudan communities affected by the conflict in Sudan. She stated that 1.1 million people had arrived in the country since April 2023.

“In two years, the population of this country has grown by 10%. Among these, we have about 300,000 Sudanese refugees, which basically means that the refugee population in South Sudan has doubled again in two years. These are really significant challenges, and I don’t know of any country in the world, frankly, that would not struggle to meet these kinds of challenges. Unfortunately, the impact of the war in Sudan on South Sudan has also impacted negatively the economy,” Verney said.