UNDP SOUTH SUDAN AND MINISTRY OF TRADE & INDUSTRY LAUNCH NEW E-COMMERCE HUB

December 16, 2022

Titus Osundina – UNDP Deputy Res Rep, Hon Mary Akech Milla - 1st Undersecretary in Ministry of Trade and Industry and other other Stakeholders undergoing a demonstration at the newly laucnhed E-commerce Hub

UNDP/Amos Agiro

The Ministry of Trade and Industry of South Sudan (MTI) in partnership with United Nations Development Programme has officially opened the E-commerce Hub located at the MTI compound in Juba. The establishment of this Hub is part of the “E-Commerce for a South Sudan Project”, which is supported by the MTI, the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), Embassy of the Netherlands, and the African Development Bank  (AFDB). This project supports the implementation of Revised National Development Strategy 2021-2024, which commits to creating employment opportunities through the development of the digital economy.

“E-commerce has the potential to enable our country to create opportunities for micro, small, and medium size businesses (MSMEs) led by women and youth who want to participate in emerging markets like the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for traditionally offline goods that can now be sold online. E-commerce can promote entrepreneurship, contribute to inclusive private sector development, and create jobs. 

It will play a central role in connecting our producers to regional and global value chains. This is a proud and historic day." - Hon. Kuol Athian Mawien, Minister for Trade and Industry 

In partnership, MTI, UNDP and EIF established a facility fully equipped with computers and communication devices, internet access, and business development support services. A key feature of the E-commerce Hubs is South Sudan's first ever online marketplace platform - the dukaanye - which provides established businesses an online space to promote and sell their products. 

UNDP, MTI and BixEx will be offering women and youth who are engaged in MSMEs training in digital marketing, basic ICT skills related to E-commerce, online store management, online sales, social media marketing, data analytics, and the creation of digital content. 

As a crucial component of the project, in partnership with MTI, EIF, AFDB, and the Embassy of the Netherlands, UNDP will  expand the E-commerce Hub activities in five states through active Innovation Hubs (I-Hubs). The Hub activities will provide exciting opportunities for those at the community level to access national and regional markets, such as the East Africa Community (EAC) and AfCFTA.