 and part of the broader South Sudan Women’s Social & Economic Empowerment Project (SSWSEEP).){kind=link}
By Ginaba Lino
The Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare has officially launched a $10 million Women Entrepreneurs Boot Camp, a flagship initiative under the Women Entrepreneurial Opportunity Facility (WEOF) and part of the broader South Sudan Women’s Social & Economic Empowerment Project (SSWSEEP).
The initiative marks a major step toward inclusive, gender-responsive economic development in South Sudan.
During the March 2025 WEOF Seed Lab call, the ministry received over 3,400 applications, selecting 1,182 women entrepreneurs for an intensive training program in Juba.
The selected participants are divided into two cohorts—600 in the first and 582 in the second. Training is hosted at three venues: Orange Corners, the Central Equatoria Women’s Union, and Accasia, with the first cohort set to complete training by 18 August 2025.
After the training, participants will pitch business proposals to a technical selection committee. 900 entrepreneurs will be awarded Seed Lab grants ranging from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the feasibility and innovation of their proposals.
“We are committed to creating an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs,” said Joseph Loro German, Director General for Finance and Administration. “You are the change-makers and builders of South Sudan’s future.”
Program Manager Timothy Yobuta highlighted the extensive groundwork behind the project, including two years of market assessments.
“We’ve built in strong feedback and redress systems to ensure transparency,” Yobuta said. “This boot camp reaffirms our commitment to accountability and continuous stakeholder engagement.”
UN Women Project Manager Lansana Wonneh emphasized the broader impact of the initiative:
“This program will transform your businesses, enable your children’s education, and strengthen your voice in household decisions. We envision women as equal partners in shaping South Sudan’s future.”