Youth Enterprise Loans Drive Business Growth and Stability in South Sudan

(JUBA COUNTY) – A youth enterprise programme supported by development partners is helping young people and women in South Sudan rebuild livelihoods, grow businesses, and promote stability after years of conflict and economic hardship.

The Youth Enterprise Development and Capacity Building project is financed by the African Development Bank Group and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme. It provides interest free loans, training, and business support to young entrepreneurs across the country.

Matata Safi, Chief Executive Officer and co founder of Hagana Agro processing, said his company has moved from selling raw farm products to supplying processed goods to retail chains after receiving support from the project.

In Malakal, Upper Nile State, Cecelia Anei’s life was disrupted in 2023 when fighting forced her family to flee their home. Like many others, she lost most of her belongings and sources of income.

Later that year, Anei, now 28, received an interest free loan of 3.5 million South Sudanese pounds, equal to about 493 US dollars at the current reference rate. With the funds, she returned to Malakal, settled in a Protection of Civilian site, and restarted her vegetable business in 2024.

She now employs two workers and has repaid about 38 percent of the loan. She remains on track to clear the balance within the agreed period.

“The business has helped me save money to rebuild a home for my family,” Anei said. “The project has supported many displaced women and restored our confidence to return and rebuild our lives.”

Her experience reflects the wider impact of the programme in a country where young people make up about 72 percent of the population. The project aims to expand access to finance and markets for youth and women led enterprises.

Godwin Juma, Sales and Marketing Officer at Hagana Agro processing Company Limited, said the support enabled the firm to meet international standards.

“The loan helped us source raw materials and process them for wider markets,” he said. “Before, we only sold raw products. Now we are part of value chains.”

Hagana produces honey, peanut butter, and sesame products and supports farmers through training in sustainable farming and ethical beekeeping.

Mohamed Abchir, UNDP’s Resident Representative in South Sudan, said the project is improving institutions, strengthening business links, and helping youth owned enterprises connect with buyers and supply chains.

In Juba, the programme has supported the Betty Events Women Group Village Savings and Credit Cooperative Society to expand its activities. The cooperative, which has 40 members, started in 2019 as a small snack business.

With training and financial support, it now buys products in bulk, employs 23 workers, and sells honey, shea butter, natural oils, and okra powder locally and abroad.

The group received an interest free loan of about 5 million South Sudanese pounds, equivalent to around 704 US dollars. Members also received training in processing, packaging, branding, and financial management.

“We have improved our packaging and increased sales,” said chairlady Betty Poni. “We can now pay school fees, cover medical costs, meet basic needs, and still save.”

The cooperative plans to supply supermarkets across South Sudan and encourage other young people to develop business skills.

Project figures show that about 4.54 billion South Sudanese pounds have been disbursed nationwide, equal to roughly 639,437 US dollars. A total of 1,247 youth and women led micro and small enterprises have accessed interest free loans.

Monica Agum Daniel Awet Akot, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, said the partnership reflects the government’s commitment to empowering young people and women through policies that support innovation and skills development.

Themba Bhebhe, outgoing Country Manager of the African Development Bank in South Sudan, said the project aligns with the Jobs for Youth initiative and equips young people with finance, skills, and technical support.

He said the Bank plans to expand similar programmes in 2026 to strengthen the financial system serving youth and women led businesses and consolidate recent gains.