The South Sudanese government, in partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the South Sudan Social and Economic Empowerment Project (SSWSEEP), has launched a $10 million initiative to empower 1,500 women entrepreneurs in Juba.
The two-year project, titled the Women Entrepreneurial Opportunity Facility, is funded by the World Bank and aims to provide market-oriented skills, enhance business expertise, and improve access to financial services for women-led enterprises.
The initiative will focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by women running micro, small, medium, and large-scale businesses, while fostering a supportive environment for their growth and success.
Speaking at the launch event in Juba on Thursday, South Sudan’s Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Aya Benjamin Warille, emphasized the project’s goal of creating an inclusive society where women have equal access to economic opportunities.
“This fund aims to provide financial support, training, and resources to women entrepreneurs, enabling them to grow their businesses. By doing so, we are not only empowering individual women but also contributing to the overall economic development of South Sudan,” said Minister Warille.
Cosmas Ayella, Deputy Program Director of the IRC, highlighted the project’s potential to equip women with essential skills and resources.
“This project represents a significant milestone in empowering over 1,200 women-owned businesses in South Sudan by equipping them with business and financial skills, technical advisory services, and access to financing,” said Ayella.
Lansana Wonneh, Program Manager of SSWSEEP, added that the initiative would create jobs and boost the country’s economy.
“This project is a transformative initiative by the national government, supported by the World Bank. The Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare’s overarching objective is to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in South Sudan. SSWSEEP is a critical component of this mandate,” Wonneh stated.
The project is expected to play a key role in advancing gender equality and economic growth in South Sudan, where women entrepreneurs often face significant barriers to accessing resources and opportunities.