By 
Juba, February 27, 2025 – South Sudan’s agricultural sector is experiencing a significant boost in employment and economic activity, thanks to a nearly five-year project spearheaded by the International Trade Centre (ITC). The “Jobs Creation and Trade Development” initiative, funded by the European Union with €4.825 million through its Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, concluded its efforts with a seminar in Juba attended by over 100 participants. The event, which focused on access to finance, food safety, and quality standards, celebrated the project’s success in supporting farmers and traders in Central and Western Equatoria while creating thousands of jobs, particularly for youth and women.
The project has delivered impressive results since its inception, generating 2,380 jobs across the fruits and vegetables value chains. Of these, 90% went to young people, with women comprising 30% of the workforce. A total of 806 producers and traders directly benefited from the initiative, which provided holistic support to enhance their businesses and livelihoods. Training was a cornerstone of the effort, with 3,861 fruit and vegetable producers, over 60% of them young farmers, learning best agricultural practices. Additionally, 1,205 young individuals, 70% of whom were women, received business management and entrepreneurship training tailored to the sector.
Financial inclusion was another key achievement. The project connected 669 producers and traders to microfinance institutions, enabling 37 individuals to secure loans totaling SSP 9,780,000 (approximately USD 7,300). Youth and women were the primary beneficiaries, accounting for 62% and 65% of loan recipients, respectively. By organizing trade fairs, fostering business-to-business connections, and improving access to domestic markets, the initiative has laid a foundation for sustainable economic growth in the region.
Speaking at the seminar, Hon. Joseph Moum Majak, South Sudan’s Minister of Trade, praised the collaborative effort behind the project’s success. “I extend my gratitude to the European Union, ITC experts, and all stakeholders whose dedication ensured this project thrived,” he said. “We must now ensure its impact remains sustainable by continuing to support small businesses, improve access to finance, and enhance food safety standards.”
Lothar Jaschke, Deputy Ambassador of the European Union, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the project’s role in fostering resilient livelihoods. “This initiative has shown the power of partnership in building sustainable economic growth,” he noted. “The jobs created, skills gained, and trade networks established will continue to benefit South Sudan. The EU remains committed to supporting a diversified and sustainable agricultural sector here.”
ITC Country Manager Aklile Habtemariam highlighted the project’s focus on empowering local farmers and traders. “We’ve supported subsistence farmers along the fruit and vegetable value chains by enhancing their productive capacity and ensuring compliance with food safety standards,” she said. “Our work with the EU has been integral to this success, and ITC will continue to strengthen South Sudan’s business environment and access to global markets.”
The seminar underscored the project’s emphasis on youth and women, who made up 70% of attendees. By prioritizing these groups, the initiative has not only boosted incomes but also contributed to food security and economic diversification in South Sudan. As the project wraps up, its legacy of job creation, skill development, and improved trade practices is poised to drive long-term growth in the nation’s agricultural sector.
