$52m Project Empowers South Sudanese Women Entrepreneurs

Women in South Sudan have historically played a critical role in supporting families through subsistence farming and small-scale trading.

A $52 million programme backed by the World Bank is helping women across South Sudan transform small businesses into sustainable sources of income, providing training, financing and mentorship to entrepreneurs who have long faced barriers to economic participation.

The South Sudan Women Social and Economic Empowerment Project (SSWSEEP), launched in 2023, is a four-year government-led initiative implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, with technical support from UN Women. The project aims to strengthen women’s economic opportunities through business training, leadership development and targeted financial support.

Supporting Women in a Challenging Environment

Women in South Sudan have historically played a critical role in supporting families through subsistence farming and small-scale trading. However, years of conflict, limited access to training and finance, restrictive social norms and gender-based violence have constrained their economic potential.

SSWSEEP seeks to address these challenges by equipping women with the tools to build viable enterprises and participate more fully in the country’s economy.

Through the programme, women receive business skills training, financial literacy support, leadership coaching and access to markets, alongside grants designed to help businesses grow.

Seed and Growth Labs Drive Entrepreneurship

A central component of the initiative is the Seed and Growth Lab model, which provides tailored support depending on the stage of a business.

• Seed Lab: Targets early-stage entrepreneurs, helping them develop financial skills, refine business plans and pitch their ideas. Participants can receive grants ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 to invest in equipment, inventory or technology.

• Growth Lab: Supports larger businesses with technical assistance, mentorship and catalytic grants between $15,000 and $50,000 to expand operations.

Overall, the programme aims to support 1,200 women entrepreneurs, including 1,182 small businesses and 18 medium-to-large enterprises.

So far, more than 400 women-owned businesses have already received grants, with a target of over 1,000 beneficiaries in the coming months.

Turning Setbacks into Opportunities

Among the programme’s beneficiaries is Annette Bongarette, founder of Juba Royal Travel Agency, whose journey reflects both the challenges and resilience of South Sudanese women entrepreneurs.

Born in Uganda to a South Sudanese refugee father, Annette returned to South Sudan and began working instead of attending university to support her family.

She started her career as a trainee travel consultant and gained expertise in airline bookings and travel management. However, during a national crisis in 2016, she lost her job.

Rather than giving up, Annette launched her own company. Initially operating on commission and with limited capital, she slowly built a loyal client base.

Today, her agency is working toward International Air Transport Association (IATA) accreditation, a step that would strengthen its international credibility.

A grant from SSWSEEP is helping cover accreditation costs and expand her business.

“We signed a grant totaling $35,200 and so far we have received $24,800 which is helping us purchase tickets upfront so that we give our clients better deals,” Annette said.

“This grant is also a chance for us to expand and hire more people.”

Small Businesses Creating Big Change

In Munuki Market in Juba, another entrepreneur, Rose Juru Chaplain, has used the programme to transform her boutique business.

A single mother of three, Rose struggled for years to sustain her small clothing shop while supporting her family.

After joining the Seed Lab training programme, she received a $3,000 grant, which allowed her to expand her inventory and hire an assistant.

“The grant gave me the chance to grow my business and provide for my children,” Rose said. “I can now face each day with confidence and dignity.”

Building a New Generation of Women Leaders

Beyond individual success stories, the project aims to strengthen South Sudan’s broader economy by supporting women entrepreneurs to formalize businesses, expand production and create jobs.

Participants are also entering new sectors such as climate-smart agriculture, clean energy and digital services, reflecting the programme’s focus on innovation and climate adaptation.

World Bank Country Manager for South Sudan Charles Undeland said empowering women entrepreneurs is key to the country’s economic future.

“This is not just an investment in enterprises—it is an investment in South Sudan’s economic transformation, led by its women,” he said.

Transforming Communities Through Women’s Empowerment

As the programme expands, hundreds more women across South Sudan are expected to receive training and financial support.

Development experts say initiatives like SSWSEEP demonstrate how targeted investments in women’s entrepreneurship can strengthen economic resilience, reduce poverty and empower communities.

For women like Annette and Rose, the programme represents more than business support—it is a pathway to independence, dignity and opportunity.