(JUBA COUNTY) – South Sudan’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon Atong Kuol Manyang, has placed fisheries at the centre of her ministry’s plans to boost youth enterprise, during a meeting with the Twic East Youth Association in Juba on Friday.
The youth delegation from Warrap State was led by Chairperson Deng Junior and invited the Minister to serve as Guest of Honour at their upcoming 100 day work plan ceremony. While accepting the invitation, Minister Atong used the opportunity to stress that small industries, especially fisheries, must become a cornerstone of youth led business development.
She explained that fish production, processing, and distribution can create sustainable income streams for young people, strengthen food supply, and open new local and regional markets. With South Sudan’s rivers and wetlands providing abundant resources, she said fisheries represent a natural opportunity to reduce unemployment and stimulate community trade.
She also highlighted ongoing programmes aimed at helping young entrepreneurs establish small industries, particularly in fishing and fruit production. These efforts, she noted, are intended to create local value chains, generate employment, and improve household incomes.
Atong congratulated the youth for their leadership role and urged them to take fisheries seriously, not only as a source of livelihood but also as a way to build resilience against economic challenges. She pledged her ministry’s technical and policy support for youth driven fishing initiatives.
A statement from the press unit of the Trade Ministry said the focus on fisheries also aligns with South Sudan’s broader economic diversification agenda, which seeks to move beyond oil dependency and invest in community based enterprises.
Fisheries Opportunities for Youth Entrepreneurs in Warrap
| Area of Focus | Opportunities for Youth | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Fish Farming | Establishing ponds and hatcheries | Increases local supply and reduces imports |
| Processing & Preservation | Fish drying, smoking, and packaging | Adds value and reduces post-harvest losses |
| Distribution & Trade | Small transport networks, cold storage, retail shops | Expands access to markets and boosts trade |
| Export Potential | Regional trade of preserved fish products | Generates foreign exchange and business growth |