Orange Corners South Sudan has officially marked a significant milestone in the country’s burgeoning startup ecosystem with the graduation of its third cohort. The ceremony celebrated 21 young entrepreneurs who successfully completed a rigorous six-month incubation and acceleration program. These graduates are now positioned to scale their businesses and drive economic impact across South Sudan, tackling local challenges with innovative solutions.
Empowering Youth And Driving Resilience
The program concluded with a strong message of resilience and growth. Mohammad Shahin, Managing Director of BizEx Ltd, opened the event by reflecting on the journey of the entrepreneurs, while Albino Gaw Dar, CEO of the Foundation for Youth Initiative (FYI), provided a roadmap for the graduates’ next steps. The focus of the curriculum was to transition these founders from the ideation phase to sustainable business models capable of surviving the unique complexities of the South Sudanese market.
Government Support And The Ease Of Doing Business
A central highlight of the graduation was a high-level panel discussion titled “Ease of Doing Business: Registration for Startups in South Sudan.” The discussion brought together representatives from the Ministry of Trade & Industry and private sector partners to explore practical methods for simplifying business registration. Mr. Stephen Doctor Matatia Gaji, Director General for External Trade, emphasized that creating an enabling environment for youth entrepreneurship is a national priority for economic diversification.
Commitment To Gender Inclusive Entrepreneurship
A standout achievement for Cohort 3 is its commitment to diversity, with 52% of the graduates being women. This gender-responsive approach is a core pillar of the Orange Corners initiative, ensuring that female founders have equal access to the resources, mentorship, and networks required to succeed. The event was attended by various stakeholders, including the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the European Union, both of which have been instrumental in providing continued support to the local entrepreneurial landscape.
Strategic Partnerships For Scaling
The success of the cohort was bolstered by strong private sector involvement. Partners such as Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Alpha Bank, and Cooperative Bank provided critical infrastructure and in-kind support throughout the six-month program. These collaborations bridge the gap between early-stage innovation and the institutional support needed for startups to integrate into the wider regional economy.
About Orange Corners South Sudan
Orange Corners is an initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands that provides young entrepreneurs with training, networks, and facilities to start and grow their businesses. In South Sudan, the program is implemented by BizEx Ltd and focuses on empowering the next generation of founders to build a vibrant private sector. By offering incubation, acceleration, and access to finance, Orange Corners South Sudan aims to reduce youth unemployment and foster a culture of innovation across the nation.
Source: Orange Corners South Sudan
