(JUBA) – Eleven South Sudanese ventures have secured a combined grant worth 2.5 billion South Sudanese Pounds (SSP), equivalent to 544,000 US dollars, through the World Food Programme (WFP) IGNITE Food Systems Innovation Challenge. The funding aims to strengthen locally led solutions that can transform the country’s fragile food system.
The challenge opened earlier this year supported by the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) and the German Development Bank (KfW). This is the second edition of the initiative, following its first round in 2021. Each winning enterprise will receive between 92 million SSP and 184 million SSP (20,000–40,000 US dollars), along with mentorship, business development support and opportunities to form strategic partnerships.
Dr John Ogoto Kanisio, Undersecretary for Agriculture at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, described the initiative as an important step in securing South Sudan’s future. He stressed that food security, economic sovereignty, and climate resilience depend on building sustainable food systems.
“By investing in young, innovative entrepreneurs, we are not only creating jobs but also unlocking rural potential, driving agribusiness growth, and cultivating a new generation of leaders who can position South Sudan competitively in regional and global markets,” he said.
Among the winners, the top two enterprises were women led businesses: Africa Cornerstone General Trading and Dream Farm Agribusiness Cooperative. Africa Cornerstone impressed the judges with biodegradable and recyclable packaging solutions aimed at reducing food waste and lowering carbon emissions. Dream Farm has focused on recycling poultry manure into organic fertiliser, developing sustainable animal feed, and adopting water saving housing models for poultry farming.
Dr Björn Niere, German Head of Cooperation in South Sudan, noted that such innovations reflect the strength of home grown solutions.
“Sustainable food systems need exactly these kinds of ideas,” he said. “They also require strong partnerships, clear standards, and a safe environment for entrepreneurs to grow their ventures. Germany is proud to support WFP, DANIDA and local partners in this work.”
The Acting Country Director of WFP in South Sudan, Adham Effendi, emphasised that lack of access to finance and technical expertise has held back many young entrepreneurs in the country. “Through the generous support of DANIDA and KfW, we are enabling talented South Sudanese innovators to unlock their potential and find solutions to the challenges in food systems,” he said.
This year’s winners were selected from more than 200 applications submitted nationwide. They represent a wide range of sectors, including agricultural technology, post-harvest management, livestock production and sustainable food distribution.
List of 2025 IGNITE Challenge winners
| No. | Enterprise | Sector / Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Africa Cornerstone General Trading | Biodegradable packaging |
| 2 | Dream Farm Agribusiness Cooperative | Organic fertiliser, sustainable poultry |
| 3 | AgriSmart Farm & Urban Gardens | Urban farming |
| 4 | Golden Farm South Sudan Ltd | Agri-business expansion |
| 5 | Hope and Care for Development | Community farming initiatives |
| 6 | Long Puou Cooperative Society | Cooperative farming |
| 7 | Lulu Bakes | Local food processing |
| 8 | Mading Chan Young Network Economic Development | Youth-led agribusiness |
| 9 | Magwi College of Agribusiness & Management Science | Training and innovation |
| 10 | National Star Investment Co. Ltd | Agribusiness investment |
| 11 | Tropical Wet Organics Ltd | Organic farming solutions |
Nanko Madu, Director of Programmes at AfriLabs, one of the implementing partners, described the challenge as a turning point for South Sudan.
“By backing visionary local businesses, we are fuelling sustainable growth and proving that change can and must come from within. These entrepreneurs are the architects of a more food-secure and climate-resilient future,” he said.
The IGNITE Food Systems Challenge is driven by the WFP Innovation Hub, working with AfriLabs and Seed Grow South Sudan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Its goal is to identify and promote local solutions to the country’s pressing food challenges.
Past winners have already demonstrated impact. For example, Hagana Agro Processing Company, which won in 2021, has grown into a well known brand in South Sudan and is now competing in regional markets.