In the Spotlight: Some inspiring women Entrepreneurs from South Sudan
#ANewDawn #WomenInEnterprise #SouthSudanForward #SheMeansBusiness
South Sudan, often called “The World’s Youngest Nation”, is not only writing its political story but also shaping a new economic narrative – one driven in no small part by women entrepreneurs. These women, though often overlooked, are emerging as a resilient force powering South Sudan’s journey toward stability and growth.
Operating in an environment marked by post-conflict rebuilding, economic volatility, and social challenges, women entrepreneurs face numerous barriers – limited access to finance, education, and training, as well as cultural norms that restrict their mobility and business choices. Yet, they continue to rise with remarkable determination. Many are starting small-scale agribusiness ventures, managing market stalls, and slowly expanding into sectors such as services, retail, and even manufacturing, creating ripples of change within their communities.
Against the Current: Women Building Businesses in the World’s Youngest Nation
Fortunately, support is growing through both national and international efforts. Programmes like the Women Entrepreneurial Opportunity Facility (WEOF) and the South Sudan Women’s Social and Economic Empowerment Project (SSWSEEP) are equipping women with skills, mentorship, and financing. Organizations such as the World Bank and UN Women are facilitating access to training in business planning, financial literacy, and market integration.
These women are not just surviving, but they are redefining South Sudan’s economic landscape. By fostering financial independence, creating jobs, and demonstrating resilience, they are laying the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous future. In their entrepreneurial journey lies the promise of transformation – not just for themselves, but for the world’s youngest nation.
Here are some inspiring women entrepreneurs from South Sudan.
- Neima’s Fiori Petals and Cakes & Abuk’s Femme Fashion 211 Business
Meet Neima and Abuk are two incredible women entrepreneurs from South Sudan who transformed their passions into thriving businesses.
Neima’s Fiori Petals and Cakes: From humble beginnings to a flourishing cake and flower business, her dedication and hard work have not only uplifted her family but inspired countless women to pursue their dreams!!
Abuk’s Femme Fashion 211 Business: Overcoming numerous challenges, Abuk turned her small venture into a successful enterprise, supporting her community and paving the way for future women entrepreneurs.
It is amazing that their stories are a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of community support.
- Maka Scovia, Owner, Amaka Fruits and Juice Shop
Maka Scovia embodies the spirit of youth empowerment through entrepreneurship, thanks to the Youth Enterprise Development and Capacity Building (YEDCB) project. Actually, in the bustling streets of Juba, South Sudan, this story shines as an example of resilience and determination.
Amaka’s entrepreneurial journey began with a humble fruit and juice business, where she rented a shop that had a sitting capacity of 10 customers. Then she set up Amaka Fruits and Juice Shop.
Her aspirations extend to a vision as vast as the African horizon, for she dreams of expanding her business empire further!! Plans for new branches in Juba and a local food restaurant are already in motion, with ambitious dreams of establishing a juice processing plant that will supply markets across East Africa.
- Betty Poni, Owner, Nile Organics Ltd
Despite the challenges of poverty in our community, Betty Poni feels she has become more self-reliant through the skills she gained from ITC initiatives. She is now determined to succeed in all her business plans.
For Betty Poni, the journey was one of transformation. She was a passionate producer of South Sudanese gum arabic and coffee, but unfortunately, she lacked the skills and knowledge to market it effectively.
So, like many small business owners, she struggled with branding, packaging, and reaching new customers. On March 7, 2025 she stood confident and proud, among a cohort of women entrepreneurs at the International Women’s Day (IWD) Market made possible through the EU-funded MARKUP II programme and ITC SheTrades.
- Mama Awuro, Owner, New Dawn Life Ltd
It is prominent that Mama Awuro’s story was shaped by a different struggle – decades of conflict, uncertainty & survival. But she was strong and successful. She built a business in the face of adversity – selling local food products like jam, okra, shea butter & tea.
Very often she was unsure of how to scale or keep financial records. But through ITC SheTrades initiative and MARKUP II, she was able to forge ahead to the next level – as she was coached on record-keeping, pricing, and refining product presentation. That was when for the first time, she felt in control of her business!!
On March 7, 2025 she was prominently present among a group of women entrepreneurs at the International Women’s Day (IWD) Market made possible through the EU-funded MARKUP II programme and ITC SheTrades.
- Abuk Deng, Founder of Abuk Enterprise Limited
Abuk Deng, a senior entrepreneur and mother of seven, joined the trade fair as a beneficiary of ITC’s South Sudan Jobs Creation and Trade Development Project.
She soon stepped into entrepreneurship. In 2015, she founded Abuk Enterprise Limited to supply food items such as peanut butter, dried vegetables, and processed fruits.
Shree Lahiri
Avtar Madan
Himanshu
