Over 70 entrepreneurs completed a six-day programme, designed to catalyze the growth of innovative and locally competitive micro, small, and medium enterprises in Aweil.

The training was funded by the Government of Japan and is part of UNDP’s efforts to restore livelihood and productive capacities as part of an integrated recovery and resilience response.

“Before this training I really did not approach my business with a plan. In this past week, I’ve learned how successful entrepreneurs act and how to apply those lessons. I now see opportunity all over instead of obstacles. I know the concept of initiative seeking, and how to approach someone with resources with a plan for how I will make a profit,” said James Ngor Ngor, 30, who made major revisions to his boda-boda business during the course of the workshop and saw a 400% increase in his daily revenue.

“I am now saving money every day and I have a plan for the future. In the coming year, my goal is to invest in three additional motorbikes as well as build a shop. This training taught me if you are a committed and persistent person, if you plan and break your plan into manageable chunks, you can achieve your goal,” said James. 

The successful entrepreneurs celebrated their achievements with a closing ceremony on Tuesday at the Aweil Grand Hotel attended by the Aweil State Deputy Governor, and State Ministers of Finance and Public Service, Education, and Physical Infrastructure; members of the state assembly; members of the press; and representatives of UNDP.

“Through this training you have acquired knowledge and activated your talents. I’ve heard from the trainees that the experience has been so intensive you don’t sleep for days. We, as the state government, encourage your business initiatives in Aweil, we encourage your persistence and your goal setting. This training and your entrepreneurship shows that Aweil is a calm state and Aweil is a peaceful state,” said Aweil State Deputy Governor Stephen Chol Ajonga, during his keynote address at the closing ceremony.

“The curriculum we teach challenges people to get out of their comfort zone. Our vision is not only to have small businesses sprout in Aweil but we want to see these businesses grow, to build, to employ people, and to hopefully spread beyond Aweil, beyond the region, beyond South Sudan, and to become truly global,” said Irshad Bodheea, one of the main instructors of the Aweil Entrepreneurship Training Workshop and a master trainer from EMPRETEC Mauritius.