(JUBA) – More than 15 young South Sudanese innovators will receive grants under the World Food Programme’s IGNITE project, designed to boost local food production and reduce dependence on imports.
Dr Ayiik Kuir, WFP Programme Policy Officer for Innovations, said the IGNITE Food Systems Challenge will provide small businesses with grants ranging from USD 10,000 to 40,000 (46 million to 184 million SSP) to strengthen the country’s food security.
He emphasised that empowering youth and women through innovation could help tackle food shortages affecting more than seven million people while supporting broader economic transformation.
“If young people and women are supported to produce food locally, we reduce imports, create jobs, and address challenges such as malnutrition,” Kuir told Radio Miraya.
The initiative aims to encourage innovation in agriculture, food processing, and distribution, helping South Sudan build a more resilient food system while creating employment opportunities in rural and urban areas.