Supported by UNDP and the African Development Bank Group, More Than 5,000 Youth Projects Funded

Report: Al-Naeim Mubarak Kuol

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the African Development Bank Group recently oversaw the implementation of the Youth Enterprise Development and Capacity Building (YEDCB) project in South Sudan, which has made significant progress.

A total of 556 Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) received interest-free loans, with SSP 2.16 billion disbursed, resulting in the creation of 3,959 jobs through youth-led MSEs. The financing project trained 3,020 youth in business development, with 80% of women-led businesses experiencing revenue growth, contributing to enhanced economic opportunities.

The mission, carried out by UNDP, engaged with YEDCB beneficiaries and key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Finance and Planning of South Sudan, and the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Republic of South Sudan, where key findings and recommendations were shared.

Building on these successful partnerships, the Job Creation through Youth and Women-led MSEs (JMSE) project was launched, discussing crucial aspects such as project implementation.

This initiative will contribute to generating employment opportunities, enhancing entrepreneurial skills through targeted training, and providing business development services for women and youth (ages 18 to 35).

Through strategic partnerships, UNDP South Sudan is empowering youth and women to drive private sector growth, create jobs, and strengthen livelihoods.