![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.wpdi.org\/app\/uploads\/Gemini-Africa.png\")
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June 18, 2025 – <\/b>WPDI is proud to announce a new partnership with Gemini Africa to launch a transformative social development project in South Sudan: <\/span>Promoting Inclusive Peacebuilding and Sustainable Livelihoods in the Equatoria Region of South Sudan through Women and Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship<\/span><\/i>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This one-year initiative, running from June 2025 to May 2026, represents a significant step forward in our shared mission to foster resilience, and economic opportunity in some of the most vulnerable communities in South Sudan, which continue to suffer from socio-economic disparities, inter-communal conflict and an absolute lack of economic opportunities for young people.<\/span><\/p>\n WPDI and Gemini Africa have previously collaborated on programs that leverage entrepreneurship and innovation to empower young people in Africa. This renewed partnership builds on that solid foundation, bringing together WPDI’s deep community engagement and peacebuilding experience with Gemini Africa’s proven expertise in startup development and entrepreneurial mentorship.<\/span><\/p>\n The project centers around a multi-pronged approach to empowerment and development. First, we will convene inclusive dialogues and provide training for community leaders to foster a culture of peace and conflict resolution. Second, cohorts of selected youths will receive comprehensive training in conflict resolution, entrepreneurship, and information and communication technology, equipping them with tools to shape their futures and those of their communities. Finally, trainees will have the opportunity to pitch their business ideas through Business Plan Competitions held by experts from Gemini Africa, with winners receiving startup grants and mentorship to launch their business ventures.<\/span><\/p>\n Through this initiative, WPDI and Gemini Africa aim to empower underprivileged women and youth as key drivers of peace and economic resilience in the Equatoria regions. By supporting local innovation and leadership, we aim to plant seeds for a more inclusive and sustainable future.<\/span><\/p>\n Stay tuned to wpdi.org for updates on this exciting new chapter in our mission to build peace from the ground up.<\/span><\/p>\n About Gemini Africa<\/b><\/p>\n Gemini Africa is a one-stop leading enabler and support organization for startups and MSMEs, offering diverse investment and financial solutions, untapped business opportunities, and innovative flagship programs for youth and entrepreneurs. Operating across Social Entrepreneurship and Creative Industries\u2014with a special focus on empowering women. Gemini Africa pioneered CinemaTech, the world\u2019s first entrepreneurial track targeting the creative sector. With a strong track record in Greater Cairo and Upper Egypt, the company has developed a robust knowledge base, vast expert network, and strategic partnerships, enabling it to deliver over 20 innovative programs and gain recognition from international bodies. Its collaborations span international organizations, cultural institutions, and private sector partners, contributing to award-winning success stories and advancing Egypt\u2019s entrepreneurial ecosystem and beyond. In addition to its work in Egypt, Gemini Africa is actively expanding across the African continent, extending its impact and programs to support entrepreneurs and startups throughout Africa.<\/span><\/p>\n About the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI)<\/b><\/p>\n The Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) is a non-governmental organization with an international scope and reach, committed to fostering peace and resilience by disseminating skills and promoting climate-sensitive and sustainable development in countries and places affected by violence, poverty, environmental disruption, and marginalization. In Africa, Europe, as well as Latin and North America, WPDI develops a wide range of programs aimed at training and supporting underprivileged individuals and groups, with a particular focus on youth and women, enabling them to become empowered as mediators, educators, entrepreneurs, and leaders, fostering positive transformation within their communities and beyond. To achieve its objectives, WPDI works with the communities to design and implement integrated programs in the four areas of Peacebuilding, Livelihood, Health and Wellbeing, and Sports. WPDI was founded in 2012 by the artist, social activist, and UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace, Forest Whitaker.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"June 18, 2025 – WPDI is proud to announce a new partnership with Gemini Africa to launch a transformative social development project in South Sudan: Promoting Inclusive Peacebuilding and Sustainable Livelihoods in the Equatoria Region of South Sudan through Women and Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship.\u00a0 This one-year initiative, running from June 2025 to May 2026,… View Article<\/a>","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":12225,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[14,13,10,22],"class_list":["post-12222","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-advocacy","tag-peace-education","tag-peacebuilding","tag-youth-peacemaker-network"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"Gemini](\"https:\/\/www.wpdi.org\/app\/uploads\/Gemini-Africa-South-Sudan.jpg\")
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