South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
In 2020, armed with just one jerrycan of honey and a big dream, Hellen Jogo Andrew Elinana embarked on a journey that would transform her life. Today, this young and ambitious South Sudanese entrepreneur sells over 50 jerrycans of honey, evolving her modest start into a successful business. Her determination and vision have made her a millionaire and a shining example of what persistence and passion can achieve.
“I started with one jerrycan of honey in 2020, and now I am selling about 50 jerricans, bringing in 5 million pounds from the honey. I use this money to cover some of the expenses at home,” Jogo told the Dawn in an interview.
What began as a deep passion for honey processing has blossomed into a thriving business, inspiring countless young people across the country.
“I started this business in 2020; initially, it was slow because I began with only one jerrycan of honey,” Jogo said.
What started as a small side hustle has now grown into a reputable business known for its quality, consistency, and integrity.
Her dedication to entrepreneurship earned her an award from Muchinga Partnerships, recognising her as one of South Sudan’s fastest-growing honey businesses.
She expressed gratitude to Muchinga Partnerships and the Foundation for Youth for acknowledging her tireless efforts through the Youth Enterprise Development Program.
“The award gave me the courage and energy to continue growing my
business,” she said. “Since receiving the award, I have started improving; now I’m able to supply companies and organisations with honey.”
Jogo is among the aspiring female entrepreneurs creating and distributing honey products in Juba City.
Her entrepreneurial journey began with 150,000 South Sudanese pounds in 2020.
“I bought one jerrycan of honey for 150,000 SSP, and after bottling it, I earned about 300,000 SSP from that one jerrycan,” she explained.
By enhancing her packaging and scaling production, she now supplies honey to several local markets in Juba.
“I enjoy this business because we have many products in South Sudan that we don’t fully utilise,” she stated.
“This business is crucial because many of us in South Sudan are suffering from various health issues, such as diabetes, and need something fresh and natural instead of sugar.”
As a single mother of two, Jogo’s business sustains her family by providing for their food, school fees, and other expenses.
“The business benefits me immensely because, as a single mother, I am responsible for my two daughters; I am both their father and mother,” she said.
Having completed her senior four in 2014, Jogo now sponsors four children in school through her business, in addition to supporting her siblings.
“I can afford to provide them with a good education at a reputable school, and the business is helping me greatly in taking care of my family,” she said.
“I have siblings who also need my assistance; currently, I am sponsoring four children in school.”
She encourages young people to consider small businesses for their livelihoods.
“That is my advice to young women out there: nothing is too difficult,” she said.
“We need to engage in activities that support our community, our children, and South Sudan as a whole.”
Jogo has ambitious plans to export honey to neighbouring countries.
“In the next five years, I have set goals to achieve. I want to transform this business into an international enterprise,” she said.
“I aim to supply other neighbouring countries like Uganda, Kenya, and even Dubai. I want this business to reach international markets.”
More than just a business owner, Jogo is a role model. Her success illustrates the possibilities that arise when young women in South Sudan are given the opportunity to lead, build, and dream big.
With determination and the right support, Hellen is turning honey into opportunity, one jar at a time.
