LocationsResilience amidst crisis
South Sudan at a crossroads
May 7, 2025
South Sudanese young people disseminate mesages of peace messages during Unity Day.
Photo: UNDP South Sudan
South Sudan, the world's youngest nation, has been facing multifaceted challenges since gaining independence. An acute economic crisis triggered by the breakdown of an oil pipeline resulted in a 46 percent budget deficit, and as a consequence, insufficient funding for essential services. Vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters, along with displacement, political tensions and violence are also causing concern.
UNDP is committed to facilitating South Sudan's transition from humanitarian assistance to sustainable development. The country possesses immense potential, from its resilient people to its agricultural resources, and we continue to support these efforts.
The UNDP Resident Representative in South Sudan Mohamed Abchir discusses these efforts and future strategies for peace and sustainable development in South Sudan.
What are the everyday challenges on the people of South Sudan?
For many, it is meeting basic needs like food, healthcare and safety. Beyond political tensions there is dwindling global aid, severe food insecurity, a cholera outbreak, rising living costs, a climate emergency and a displacement crisis.
As the UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a recent speech:
“All the dark clouds of a perfect storm have descended upon the people of the world’s newest country – and one of the poorest.”
- António Guterres
South Sudanese small business owner Betty Poni benefitted from a UNDP project that provides interest-free loans.
Photo: UNDP South Sudan
I remember meeting a young entrepreneur, Betty Poni in Juba, who benefitted from a UNDP project that provides interest-free loans.
“When fuel prices surged last month, the price of commodities went up. We are now burdened by heavy taxes, and the instability of exchange rates creates financial strain. I used to make enough to take care of my family and create employment for other women and youth, but now, it is a struggle.”
- Betty Poni
Her story is far from unique. Approximately 82 percent of households are multi-dimensionally poor and 7.7 million people, about 57 percent of the population, don’t have enough food.
Health services are compromised. In places like Bentiu, insecurity affects over 2,000 community health workers. Despite solar initiatives in some facilities, reliable power remains scarce, forcing medical procedures under inadequate conditions such as health workers sometimes having to deliver babies under the light of cell phones.
The approaching rainy season threatens further displacement and hardship.
Solar power at Juba Teaching Hospital. To strengthen health system resilience, solar energy systems were installed in 10 health facilities in 2024, while 18 more health facilities are targeted in 2025.
Photo: UNDP South Sudan
Mohamed Abchir, UNDP Resident Representative in South Sudan, inside the Riverside Warehouse that stores and supplies HIV and TB drugs to 245 hospital and health facilities.
Photo: UNDP South Sudan
What can be done to protect these achievements?
South Sudanese communities have worked tirelessly to restore livelihoods, strengthen local institutions and rebuild trust. In many state capitals youth groups engage in sports-for-peace activities while traditional courts mediate disputes, fostering social cohesion.
However rising tensions threaten to undo these achievements. Without stability, there is no sustainable development. Without peace, progress cannot endure.
UNDP aims to ensure coordinated efforts for safe, dignified returns, local integration and recovery for displaced populations.
Funding cuts further compound these challenges and threaten years of international support for South Sudan. Protecting these gains and maintaining peace is essential.
What is making the biggest difference in creating jobs and strengthening economic resilience, especially in rural areas?
While humanitarian assistance remains essential in many communities, smart development initiatives driven by local knowledge and resources are crucial for long-term resilience.
The SEED4Youth programme promotes sustainability, equality, and economic growth amongst South Sudan's women and young people.
Photo: UNDP South Sudan
Seed4Youth graduates showcase their skills in auto mechanics as Mohamed Abchir and Hon. James Hoth Mai, Minister of Labour, look on.
Photo: UNDP South Sudan
With UNDP support, 30,162 people have been trained in 22 vocational skills across eight states, and 23,903 are now earning income from employment and entrepreneurship. Some 4,491 jobs have been created thanks to support for 2,399 micro and small enterprises.
“The entrepreneurship training I received taught me how to manage my finances, which I now apply in my own fruit and juice business that I opened 5 months ago.”
- Silvia, a 21-year-old who participated in the Seed4Youth programme
Interest-free loans have helped women and young people launch and grow businesses. So far, 556 small and medium enterprises have received financing.
However challenges remain, particularly in areas lacking banking infrastructure. UNDP is addressing these barriers through partnerships.
How can women’s leadership, economic participation, and social inclusion be further strengthened?
Women are the backbone of this country. They play active roles in marketplaces, peace dialogues, and recovery efforts. But every time conflict breaks out, they are the first to suffer and the last to be heard.- Mohamed Abchir, UNDP Resident Representative in South Sudan
UNDP has supported the Women’s Empowerment Bill and Gender Equality Bill which aim for 35 percent target for women’s leadership and political participation.
"Young girls are made to believe at a tender age, a Prince Charming is coming to marry them. Even if they make it to offices, they are only good enough to make tea and coffee for their bosses, but this women and youth leadership programme gives young women an opportunity to prove ourselves, be great leaders in the future and overcome biases."
- Athieng Susan Yol, Trainee Women and Youth Leadership Programme
From local leaders to grassroots advocates, women are promoting a national vision through a National Action Plan. Developed with the support of UNDP, it aims to protect women and girls from the impact of conflict and ensures their full participation in decisions that affect their lives.
At the heart of this movement are the everyday efforts to break the cycle of poverty—ensuring women and girls have healthcare, and the tools to thrive economically.
Communities are taking a stand against gender-based violence (GBV). With support from UNDP, people are accessing justice, legal aid, and referral services, while also gaining tools for economic empowerment. Survivors are learning about their rights, and the country’s first-ever GBV and juvenile court is offering a path to accountability and healing.
But more must be done. Women in South Sudan are leading, but they shouldn’t have to lead alone. They need safe spaces to organize, equal access to land and credit, and a seat at every table where decisions are made, from Juba to the most remote village.
How can youth be better supported in driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development?
The focus is not solely on how to support South Sudan’s youth but rather on how to follow their lead.
UNDP's launched the largest digital marketplace in South Sudan, registering 2,000 businesses to foster e-commerce and trade. We operate six Innovation Hubs that provide business development services, job placement, career counseling, entrepreneurship training, and learning opportunities.
Young people are full of ideas. At the University of Juba, they are tapping into Innovation Hubs like the UNIPOD, supported by UNDP.
To fuel this momentum, we encourage the Government of South Sudan to promote public-private partnerships and build strong policies that ensure affordable and accessible technology for all.
Leaders attend the launch of South Sudan's National Household Budget Survey.
Photo: UNDP South Sudan
What are the most promising signs of progress you are seeing?
South Sudan has not lost its hope. Every day, South Sudanese choose peace in meaningful ways—chiefs travel miles to resolve disputes, and youth leaders bring rival groups together to envision a collaborative future instead of clinging to the past. This deep-seated desire for peace among South Sudanese inspires optimism.
However, hope alone is not enough. It requires a consistent commitment from governments, international partners, local communities and the private sector. UNDP remains dedicated to supporting the people of South Sudan while recognizing that peace is fragile. Current tensions have the potential to unravel years of progress, making it essential to prioritize dialogue. UNDP is steadfast in its commitment to the people of South Sudan, and is grateful for the support of our donors. Their contributions have been essential to the gains we have seen. We remain dedicated to delivering solutions that address community needs. I also support UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner's call for prioritizing dialogue. UNDP will continue to work alongside South Sudanese to fulfill their aspirations and enhance the tremendous potential of their nation.
Young South Sudanese leaders use art to promote peace during Peace Day.
Photo: UNDP South Sudan
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