Trade Minister Calls for Support to Boost Women’s Small Businesses

By Simon Deng

The State Minister of Trade and Industry for Central Equatoria, Stephen Ladu, called for support in the form of seed capital, enterprise development, and market infrastructure to enhance women’s small-scale businesses across the state on Tuesday.

Ladu made his remarks during the launch of a women’s livelihood project attended by key officials, development partners, and representatives of women’s organisations, including Cecilia Laku, Chairperson of the Central Equatoria State Women’s Union.

“We have people with talent and skills, but they lack the seed capital to start businesses. Developing a business plan teaches participants how to choose products, understand markets, and select strong brands,” Ladu said, urging the establishment of Women Enterprise Centres to nurture small-scale businesses.

Since its inception, the project has trained hundreds of women in small business management, many of whom have successfully launched enterprises that contribute to household income and local job creation.

Larrisa Beutler, First Secretary and Programme Manager at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), remarked that the business initiative serves as a model for sustainable development and inclusive growth.

“Empowering people is far more valuable than temporary aid. With this training, you will gain the skills to grow your businesses and help build the backbone of South Sudan’s economy—small-scale businesses,” Beutler said.

Mariam Aguli Alex, Advisor to the Governor of Central Equatoria State on Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, praised the initiative as a tool for self-reliance, emphasising the need to embrace digital tools and innovation to promote their enterprises.

“This training empowers underprivileged women by enhancing their business and entrepreneurship skills. Economically empowered women lift their families out of poverty and contribute to peace in their communities,” Alex stated.

“Together, we can ensure that women in Central Equatoria State are not just participants but leaders in economic growth and peacebuilding,” she added.

Gamal Hassan, Deputy Country Manager of the Whitaker Peace Development Initiative (WPDI), affirmed his organisation’s commitment to contributing to women and youth empowerment across the state.

“When women gain the skills to manage businesses, they uplift their communities. WPDI will continue to invest in sustainable livelihood programmes that build resilience and independence,” Hassan said.

The programme aims to strengthen women’s economic participation by developing business management skills and supporting sustainable income-generating ventures across Juba City, Juba County, and Terekeka County.