KOICA and UNDP Boost Small Businesses in Torit

(TORIT COUNTY) – Vulnerable communities in Torit County, Eastern Equatoria State, are reporting improved household incomes and business growth following the distribution of business start up kits under a livelihood empowerment project funded by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The initiative, implemented by the Support Peace Initiative Development Organisation (SPIDO) under UNDP’s Peace and Community Cohesion (PACC) programme, aims to help low income households and small community groups establish sustainable enterprises. The project focuses on promoting self-reliance and stability by creating business opportunities for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Beneficiaries say the initiative is already transforming lives. Among them is Palm Irimo, a 39-year-old mother of eight who runs a bakery in Torit. She said the equipment provided through the programme has strengthened her group’s productivity and improved their collective earnings.

“The work is good, but the new machines have boosted our business. We work together as a group, and our income is growing. This opportunity is helping us support our children with school fees and other needs,” Irimo said.

Wodcan Saviour Lazarus, Executive Director of SPIDO, explained that improving household incomes directly supports peacebuilding by addressing the economic roots of instability.

“When we provide start-up kits for business, we improve lives. Without livelihoods, there is no peace. Economic stability allows families to meet basic needs, educate their children, and live in better health,” Lazarus said.

The support covered five major categories of beneficiaries: an ICT centre for youth and persons with disabilities, two cooperative societies, a bakery, and a tailoring group. The initiative is part of broader efforts to link peacebuilding and economic development at the community level.

Angela Ajana Pio, Chairperson of the Torit Parliamentary Caucus in the Eastern Equatoria State Legislative Assembly, commended the initiative, saying it complements government efforts to promote inclusion and economic empowerment.

“As members of Parliament, we always lobby for such support to reach vulnerable communities, especially women and persons with disabilities. The start up kits will make these groups more active and independent in business,” Pio said.

Economic experts note that micro-enterprise programmes like these can significantly contribute to local development by enabling families to move away from aid dependency. The project has also been praised for integrating economic empowerment with peacebuilding objectives in a region that continues to recover from years of conflict.

The initiative’s backers, KOICA and UNDP, say the success of the Torit pilot may serve as a model for expanding similar community business empowerment programmes across South Sudan.

KOICA Funds New Business Opportunities in Torit