(JUBA COUNTY) – Inkomoko has launched a 30 month partnership with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) aimed at promoting financial inclusion and transforming the lives of women, youth and refugees in South Sudan.
The programme, officially launched at Gorom Refugee Settlement, will run from August 2025 to January 2028 and targets both the Gorom Refugee Settlement and Mangala IDP Settlement. It aims to empower displaced and host community members with practical business and soft skills training, as well as improved access to finance and digital payment services.
The initiative seeks to create sustainable livelihoods and promote economic independence among populations affected by conflict and displacement. Since 2023, Inkomoko has supported 5,680 entrepreneurs across South Sudan, helping them grow businesses and build resilience. This new programme will reach an additional 5,400 clients by 2028, with 1,600 small and micro enterprises set to receive investment.
The project will pilot market systems development for 250 businesses, helping local entrepreneurs strengthen value chains and connect to wider markets. At least 1,620 entrepreneurs will access affordable and flexible financing. Startups will be eligible for no interest loans, while existing businesses can receive loans ranging from $100 to $50,000 (710,000 to 355,000,000 SSP), disbursed in local currency.
The programme also includes training for 20 mobile money and bank agents, including MTN MoMo and Equity Bank representatives, to bring essential financial services closer to refugee and host communities. By partnering with banks and mobile money providers, the initiative aims to expand digital payment access for underserved populations and encourage collaboration between refugee and host community businesses.
Speaking at the launch, William Ngabonziza, Managing Director of Inkomoko South Sudan, said the programme builds on ongoing work to empower displaced populations through entrepreneurship.
“Inkomoko has been working in Gorom since October 2023. Many people already run small businesses. Our mission is to help them grow and sustain income. This partnership allows us to expand support, especially for women and youth, who are at the centre of our work,” Ngabonziza said.
He added that the programme demonstrates confidence in the potential of South Sudan’s refugee entrepreneurs. “They can grow the economy, create jobs, and contribute to national development. Partners like SDC, Equity Bank, and MTN MoMo show that these communities are ready to do business,” he said.
The launch brought together representatives from the Commission for Refugee Affairs, UNHCR, NGOs Forum, Equity Bank, MTN MoMo, Victorius Money Transfer, and other private sector partners. The Deputy Head of Mission of Switzerland in South Sudan reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to supporting inclusive economic growth.
Marius, representing SDC, praised the resilience of refugee entrepreneurs and expressed confidence in the long-term impact of the project.
“This project moves beyond humanitarian assistance to create lasting economic opportunities,” he said.
The launch also included cultural celebrations with Anyuak refugee dance performances and music by South Sudanese artist Isaac Number One, highlighting unity and hope among the communities.
The programme aligns with Inkomoko’s Vision 2030, which aims to serve 550,000 entrepreneurs across Africa, invest $150 million in small businesses, and create 825,000 jobs, impacting up to 7 million lives.
Beneficiaries such as Rhoda, a restaurant owner in Gorom, shared how Inkomoko’s support has transformed their businesses. “I received my first loan and expanded my restaurant. After repaying it, a second loan helped me triple my income,” she said. Another entrepreneur, Yassine, noted, “Business training and investment support have helped us grow and provide for our families.”
The Inkomoko–SDC partnership demonstrates that when communities are equipped with skills, access to finance, and opportunities, they can drive their own development and contribute to a more inclusive South Sudanese economy.
Refugee Entrepreneurs in Juba Gain New Opportunities
| Programme Element | Target / Benefit |
|---|---|
| Entrepreneurs reached | 5,400 additional clients |
| Small and micro enterprises | 1,600 to receive investment |
| Market systems pilot | 250 businesses |
| Loans | $100–$50,000 (710,000–355,000,000 SSP) |
| Financial agent training | 20 agents (MTN MoMo & banks) |