June 4, 2026 – In May, WPDI South Sudan and Gemini Africa helped entrepreneurs across South Sudan take an important step toward creating or strengthening their businesses across the southernmost region of South Sudan, the Equatorias. Through the intensive training, mentorship, and business development support offered by WPDI and Gemini Africa, participants can embark on pathways toward sustainable livelihoods within their communities.
The initiative began in June 2025, when public calls for applications were launched through WPDI’s Community Learning Centers (CLCs) in Juba, Yambio, and Torit. Ninety young people applied to join the program, with 55 entrepreneurs selected to participate in the year-long initiative. Over the following months, participants took part in entrepreneurship training, conflict resolution education, business bootcamps, and one-on-one mentorship. The program strengthened participants’ skills in business planning, financial management, marketing, customer relations, and pitching while helping them refine their businesses.
From February through April, participants entered the second phase of the program, working closely with mentors from WPDI and Gemini Africa to strengthen their business plans and prepare for a series of business pitching competitions. The competitions took place in Juba, Yambio, and Torit, where entrepreneurs presented their proposals to panels comprising local government representatives, members of chambers of commerce, and business experts. For many participants, the experience represented an opportunity to apply the practical business and financial management skills developed throughout the training while taking steps toward greater economic independence.
Joan Lucy, founder of Joan Farm Produce Business and a participant in the Juba pitching competition, shared how the program helped her gain the confidence and knowledge needed to further develop her business. « I’m glad to have the opportunity to develop and present my business idea to WPDI and Gemini Africa, » she said. « The skills I gained helped me create plans to start and run a business and become self-reliant. » Joan hopes her business will continue to expand while helping maintain food supplies and create employment opportunities within her community.
Another participant from Juba, Chan Deng, presented his proposal for Jebel Care Shop, a business he plans to establish in Jebel Dinka. « I want not only to make a profit but also to create employment opportunities and make needed goods readily available to the community, » he explained.
In Torit, Keji Christine, who later launched a milk production business, reflected on the lessons she gained through the program: « The Gemini sessions helped me understand that both profitability and social impact should guide my business plans, » she said. « I also learned how to better present my business and its purpose to customers and my community. »
Following a competitive evaluation process, six entrepreneurs from each pitching competition were selected to receive seed funding, along with free access to WPDI’s business incubation facilities and support services. This has led to the launch of 18 businesses across the Equatorias region of South Sudan for this cohort. Operating across sectors including agriculture, healthcare, retail, and technology, these enterprises are creating new opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and community development. Among the winners was Ngbarago Diana David from Yambio, founder of G-Nuts Venture, who credited the program with providing the skills, confidence, and practical knowledge needed to strengthen and grow her business: « Through this program, I gained valuable skills in business management, financial planning, marketing, and leadership, » she said. « The experience gave me the confidence and practical tools needed to strengthen and grow my business. I am grateful to WPDI and Gemini Africa for investing in young entrepreneurs and helping us create positive change in our communities. »
Since first partnering in 2018, the collaboration of WPDI South Sudan and Gemini Africa has expanded economic opportunities for hundreds of young people across the Equatorias region of South Sudan. We are grateful for this partnership which is vital for equipping entrepreneurs with the tools they need to build sustainable livelihoods, strengthen local economies, and contribute to more resilient communities.
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