By Morris Dogga (SSMJ) Juba, (November 13, 2024)- Central Equatoria State Ministry of Trade and Industry, in collaboration with the Central Equatoria Business Union (CEBU), has unveiled a project to boost the skills of local entrepreneurs. The initiative, titled “The Business Management and Economic Development for Effective Training Skills," seeks to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the state. To be held in two phases, the project will draw participants from the si
By Morris Dogga (SSMJ)
Juba, (November 13, 2024)- Central Equatoria State Ministry of Trade and Industry, in collaboration with the Central Equatoria Business Union (CEBU), has unveiled a project to boost the skills of local entrepreneurs.
The initiative, titled “The Business Management and Economic Development for Effective Training Skills," seeks to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the state.
To be held in two phases, the project will draw participants from the six counties of Central Equatoria, providing them with practical understandings and strategies for success in trading.
The first will provide necessary business skills and knowledge to 200 young entrepreneurs. Under the first phase, traders, who operate businesses with capital ranging from 1 to 5 million South Sudan Pounds, will receive training in areas such as record-keeping, communication, and effective market strategies.
In the second phase, the project will target 100 entrepreneurs with larger capital investments of 100 million South Sudan Pounds or more. In this phase, traders will receive advanced training to understand the relationship between business management and economic development, this will enable them to scale their operations effectively.
Speaking at the launch, Wani Tom Sebit, the State Minister of Trade and Industry, emphasized that the project is aligned with the state government's vision of wealth creation through agriculture and cooperative societies.
“This project is in line with the vision of the leadership of the State His Excellency Gen. Augustino Jadalla of wealth creation through agriculture and cooperative society. People are encouraged to work in groups to compete in the market,” said Tom.
He encouraged entrepreneurs to form groups to increase market competitiveness and leverage collective strength.
“This will address the gaps and for you to compete it's good that you take the vision of His Excellency the Governor of doing things in groups. When you are in a group, you will have the strength but when you are alone, you will be weak,” said Tom, adding that the launch of the project portrays the commitment of the State government to boosting businesses and economic development.
The initiative is not just about training; it signifies a wider commitment from the state government to stimulate economic development and encourage local enterprises.
Thomas Muto Lu'buda, the Patron of CEBU and Consultant of the Juba Special Economic Zone highlighted the need for local businesses to adapt to the evolving market landscape.
“For us to be effective in the market, we need business skills and Central Equatoria Business Union as a trade member organization in partnership with the State government we have initiated capacity capacity-building project that is going to empower the startups with skills of record keeping, communication and as well competing strategies in the market,” said Muto.
“The world is changing every day and technology is coming up, AI is coming up and if our young men and women who are in the market are not equipped with skills and knowledge that is required to stay in the market, it is going to be a challenge,” said Muto, stressing that his institution is dedicated to empowering startups with crucial skills, including record-keeping, effective communication, and competitive market strategies.
He stresses the importance of acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in a competitive environment.
The launch comes at a time when small-scale traders are appealing for increased support from the government.
At the recent 24th East African Community (EAC) Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) trade fair, local exhibitors expressed frustrations over government's lack of support. They said the lack of government support in the form of loans had made it very difficult for them to compete with their counterparts in the region.
Dorine Apia, a perfume producer, highlighted the need for funding and training to modernize production and packaging, emphasizing that South Sudan has the potential to become a renowned perfume producer.
Launching this initiative is a positive step towards empowering local entrepreneurs, and providing traders with essential business skills and support.
However, sustained government support is crucial to ensure the success of the initiatives that can unlock the potential of entrepreneurs and drive the country's economic development.