(JUBA) – Zain South Sudan has awarded 35 retailers in recognition of their performance in the “Zain Millions Competition,” an initiative aimed at boosting SIM card and airtime sales across 43 markets in Juba.
The award ceremony took place on 25 August 2025 at the company’s headquarters in Juba. The competition, which ran from June to August, was created to encourage retailers, strengthen small businesses, and support economic activity in the telecoms sector.
Retailers were recognised across six categories, with prizes reflecting their sales performance. Five top winners each received 1 million South Sudanese Pounds (SSP), equivalent to about 217 US dollars at the official exchange rate. Another five winners were awarded 750,000 SSP (163 US dollars each). Five others received 500,000 SSP (109 US dollars each). Ten retailers won 250,000 SSP (54 US dollars each). Five were awarded 200,000 SSP (43 US dollars each), and the last group of five winners received 150,000 SSP (33 US dollars each).
Prize Distribution: Zain Recognises Retailers for Driving Market Growth in South Sudan
| Category | Number of Winners | Prize per Winner (SSP) | Prize per Winner (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | 1,000,000 | $217 |
| 2nd | 5 | 750,000 | $163 |
| 3rd | 5 | 500,000 | $109 |
| 4th | 10 | 250,000 | $54 |
| 5th | 5 | 200,000 | $43 |
| 6th | 5 | 150,000 | $33 |
Among the top prize winners was Kuol Mach from Shirkat Market, who began retailing in 2024. He credited his success to customer engagement and consistency in service delivery.
Speaking during the event, Zain’s Marketing Department representative, Daniel Lino, said the competition had motivated retailers to strengthen their operations and customer relations. Emmanuel Tombe, who delivered the opening remarks, encouraged winners to reinvest in their businesses and deepen their partnership with Zain. He added that the initiative was designed not only to reward performance but also to build stronger connections within communities.
The Guest of Honour, Engineer Wilson Ladu Alsio, applauded retailers for their contribution to Zain’s growth and highlighted their role in promoting access to telecom services in Juba. He noted the inclusion of two women among the winners, emphasising the need to support female entrepreneurs in the retail sector. Engineer Ladu further announced that Zain plans to expand the competition beyond Juba to other states in South Sudan in the near future.
