PROGRAMS

South Sudan Youth's Access to Credit Facility (OCIF)

The Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) is a six-year program supporting youth-led entrepreneurship in South Sudan through blended finance and long-term capacity building. Implemented by the Foundation for Youth Initiative (FYI) and funded by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, the program targets entrepreneurs aged 18–35. Participants first undergo a six-month training and incubation program at the Orange Corners Incubation Acceleration Center (OCIAC), managed by BizEx, which trains at least fifty youth annually. After graduation, entrepreneurs transition to FYI for advanced mentoring, business refinement, and support in developing scalable ventures. FYI conducts pitch competitions for each cohort, selecting seven to ten high-potential enterprises for OCIF financing. Beneficiaries receive grants to launch operations and loans facilitated through the Cooperative Bank of South Sudan to acquire essential equipment. Over six years, OCIF aims to support at least 120 youth, contributing to job creation, financial inclusion, and innovation within South Sudan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Community Institutions Development Program (USADF)

The USADF Community Institution Development Program, funded by the United States African Development Foundation (USADF), advances locally led development in South Sudan by empowering community organizations, cooperatives, and small enterprises. Designed to address economic instability and post-conflict challenges, the program prioritizes community ownership, sustainability, and resilience. A major focus is agricultural development, supporting farmers and cooperatives with targeted grants to increase production, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve market access benefiting women farmers in particular. The program also expands renewable energy adoption through solar solutions, including the WADS Company Ltd project in Terekeka, which provided solar systems to 32 businesses, improving food preservation and irrigation. In enterprise development, initiatives such as the Shalom Piggery Project demonstrate how youth-led businesses can scale through grants, training, and job creation. By promoting agriculture, clean energy, and grassroots enterprise growth, the program strengthens local economies and enhances long-term community resilience.

Enterprise Development Program (Muchinga)

The Muchinga Enterprise Development Program supports young entrepreneurs in South Sudan through targeted financial assistance and capacity-building designed to strengthen early-stage enterprises. Implemented by the Foundation for Youth Initiative (FYI), the program begins with orientation sessions that familiarize beneficiaries with program objectives, grant conditions, and expectations for accountability. During these engagements, FYI clarifies reporting requirements, financial management standards, and the importance of maintaining accurate business records. The sessions also help identify capacity gaps, such as the need for improved report writing, internal systems, or additional training. By combining financial support with mentorship and practical guidance, the program enhances the managerial competencies of youth-led businesses and promotes responsible use of resources. This holistic approach ensures entrepreneurs are equipped not only with funding but also with the skills to operate effectively and sustainably. Overall, the Muchinga Enterprise Development Program contributes to youth empowerment, responsible entrepreneurship, and broader economic growth in South Sudan.

Innovative Enterprise Development Program (Haggar Foundation)

The Innovative Enterprise Development Program, launched in 2023 by the Haggar Foundation in partnership with the Foundation for Youth Initiative (FYI), strengthens small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Sudan. The initiative aims to stimulate innovation, create jobs, and improve livelihoods by investing in enterprises with strong commercial and social impact potential. Entrepreneurs were selected through a competitive process assessing legal registration, business clarity, financial viability, sustainability, and expected community benefits. From more than seventy applicants, seven enterprises received grants of USD 5,000 each for implementation between November 2023 and April 2024. Supported ventures span sectors such as poultry, peanut paste processing, cleaning services, and digital solutions. In addition to financial support, the program offers mentorship, monitoring, and capacity building to strengthen operations and value chains. By promoting sustainable practices and enabling SMEs to scale, the program fosters grassroots economic resilience and contributes to long-term community development.

Technology Revolution Project (Internews)

The Technology Revolution Project, launched in 2021 by Internews in partnership with the Foundation for Youth Initiative (FYI), promotes digital literacy and technology adoption among young entrepreneurs and community members in South Sudan. Recognizing the growing importance of digital communication for business and civic engagement, the project equips participants with practical skills to enhance visibility, brand identity, and customer connection. A core activity is a four-day intensive training covering digital marketing, content creation, video production, and effective media engagement. The hands-on sessions enabled participants to develop real content for their businesses and gain confidence in using technology to reach broader audiences. Feedback showed significant improvements in marketing knowledge, client relations, and cross-selling techniques, highlighting the demand for continued digital capacity building. By strengthening digital skills, the project supports a more connected and innovative youth community and enhances the competitiveness of small businesses within a gradually evolving digital economy.