South Sudan Symposium Showcases ITC Project's Impact on Fruit and Vegetable Sector

A recent symposium in South Sudan highlighted the impact of the International Trade Centre (ITC) Jobs Creation and Trade Development Project on the country's fruit and vegetable sector. The project has benefited over 3,000 producers and traders, mostly women and youth, by providing training and support to improve production and trading of fruits and vegetables.

The symposium, held on April 27, 2024, was attended by government officials, including the Minister of Trade and Industry, Kuol Athian Mawien, and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Josephine Lagu. Representatives from the European Union delegation and the ITC Country Manager for South Sudan, Amin Sharkawi, were also present.

During the event, the ITC showcased the results of its project, which has trained over 3,000 producers and traders, established 22 producer cooperatives, and provided business management and entrepreneurship training to 1,205 young people and women. The project has also established a Food Safety Association and a National Quality Policy to improve the quality and safety of fruits and vegetables produced in South Sudan.

The project's impact has been significant, creating job opportunities and enhancing domestic trade in the fruit and vegetable sector. The ITC has facilitated trade fairs and business-to-business contacts to promote the sector and increase market access for producers and traders.

Why this matters: With an unemployment rate of over 50%, job creation is a critical issue in South Sudan. The ITC project's focus on the fruit and vegetable sector has the potential to create sustainable economic opportunities, particularly for women and youth, and contribute to the country's overall development.

Speaking at the symposium, Minister Mawien emphasized the importance of the project in promoting economic development and job creation in South Sudan. "The ITC project has demonstrated the potential of the fruit and vegetable sector in creating jobs and improving livelihoods for our people," he said. "We are committed to working with the ITC and other partners to build on this success and create more opportunities for our youth and women."

The symposium also discussed the challenges facing the fruit and vegetable sector in South Sudan, including limited electricity, infrastructure, and security issues. Participants called for increased investment and policy support to address these challenges and promote the growth of the sector.

Amin Sharkawi, the ITC Country Manager for South Sudan, highlighted the project's objectives of improving the competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and increasing employment opportunities, especially for youth and women, in the fruits and vegetables value chains. "The project has been facilitating and enhancing domestic trade for fruits and vegetables through initiatives like trade fairs and business-to-business contacts," he said.

Key Takeaways

• ITC project trained 3,000+ producers/traders, mostly women and youth, in South Sudan.
• Project established 22 producer cooperatives and provided business training to 1,205 people.
• Project improved quality and safety standards for fruits/vegetables in South Sudan.
• Project facilitated trade fairs and B2B contacts to boost domestic fruit/veg trade.
• Project aimed to create sustainable jobs, especially for women and youth, in South Sudan.