July 20, 2026 – We’re proud to announce the renewal of our partnership with Gemini Africa, reaffirming a shared commitment to empowering young people and women across South Sudan through entrepreneurship, peacebuilding, and sustainable livelihoods.
Following the successful completion of the first year of the project, WPDI South Sudan and Gemini Africa are launching the next phase of their collaboration through June 2027.
The initiative builds on a longstanding partnership between the two organizations, which have worked together over the years to expand entrepreneurship and innovation opportunities for young people across Africa. By combining WPDI’s expertise in peacebuilding and community engagement with Gemini Africa’s leadership in entrepreneurship and startup development, the partnership continues to equip participants with the skills and opportunities needed to build sustainable livelihoods while strengthening peaceful communities.
The project will convene community dialogues reaching 600 community members, while 120 community leaders will participate in Conflict Resolution Education (CRE) training. An additional 510 young people will receive specialized capacity-building opportunities, including 225 youth trained in Conflict Resolution Education (CRE), 225 youth trained in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and 60 aspiring entrepreneurs who will participate in business management and entrepreneurship training. Participants will also benefit from mentorship and Business Plan Competitions (BPCs), through which 15 new businesses will receive startup support, while WPDI and Gemini Africa continue mentoring the 18 businesses launched during the first phase of the partnership.
By jointly addressing economic development and peacebuilding, the partnership recognizes that sustainable development depends on young people having the tools to create livelihoods, resolve conflict constructively, and lead positive change. This continued collaboration reflects WPDI and Gemini Africa’s shared belief that investing in local leadership is essential to building long-term peace and prosperity.
Reflecting on the renewed partnership, Adly Thoma, Chairman & CEO of Gemini Africa, emphasized the importance of continuing to invest in entrepreneurship as a driver of sustainable development.
“At Gemini Africa, we believe that entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful catalysts for sustainable development. Our renewed partnership with the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative reflects a shared conviction that investing in people, particularly young innovators and entrepreneurs, is the foundation for building resilient economies and thriving communities.
The success of our previous collaboration in South Sudan has demonstrated the transformative impact of equipping youth and MSMEs with the skills, networks, and opportunities they need to succeed. We have witnessed firsthand how entrepreneurship can unlock potential, create jobs, and inspire lasting change.
As we embark on this new chapter, we are committed to scaling that impact, empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs, and contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous future for South Sudan. We are not only supporting businesses, we are helping shape an ecosystem where innovation, opportunity, and resilience can flourish for generations to come.”
As the partnership enters this next phase, WPDI and Gemini Africa remain committed to expanding opportunities for underserved communities and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and peacebuilders to drive sustainable development across South Sudan.
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