(JUBA) – The 17th edition of Sip & Shop, a community marketplace event held in the capital Juba, once again provided a vibrant platform for women led businesses to showcase their products, talents, and innovation.
The event, which continues to grow in popularity, highlighted the increasing influence of female entrepreneurs in South Sudan’s economy.
Held with the theme of unity, creativity, and empowerment, the event brought together dozens of women owned enterprises from across the city. Participants included artisans, fashion designers, food vendors and wellness brands, all working to grow their businesses in a challenging economic environment.
Corporate sponsors such as MTN South Sudan and Stanbic Bank showed their support, noting the importance of such initiatives in building inclusive and sustainable communities.
MTN described the event as “a celebration of resilience, entrepreneurship, and unity,” reaffirming its commitment to supporting grassroots economic activity and women’s empowerment.
Many of the businesses at Sip & Shop have been built from the ground up, often with limited access to capital or infrastructure. The marketplace offers commercial opportunity and a space for networking, mentorship and visibility. Attendees praised the event for being more than just a shopping experience, stating it is also a space of learning, support, and collective strength.
The women at the event shared stories of how they have overcome personal and financial obstacles to establish small and medium enterprises. These ventures, they said, are not only helping their families but also contributing to the broader economy by creating jobs and promoting local production.
For many visitors, the Sip & Shop experience is more than a market. It is a space of inspiration. Creative displays, cultural expression, and dynamic conversations filled the event venue, reflecting the hopes and ambitions of South Sudanese women in business.
The organisers of Sip & Shop have promised to continue the initiative with future editions, aiming to scale up opportunities for women entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented communities.
