Recognizing that sustainable peace is deeply connected to economic opportunity, the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) and Gemini Africa have joined forces to launch a comprehensive new initiative in South Sudan’s Equatoria region. The program, Promoting Inclusive Peacebuilding and Sustainable Livelihoods through Women and Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, seeks to equip marginalized communities with the tools, skills and support they need to break the cycles of violence and poverty that have long defined the region.
Targeted at underrepresented women and youth, the one-year initiative (June 2025–May 2026) is designed not as a short-term intervention but as a scalable model for grassroots economic resilience. It combines peacebuilding, digital education and entrepreneurship to cultivate the human capital needed to rebuild communities from within. The project represents a strategic investment in one of the continent’s most fragile environments, an investment not only in businesses but in the social and economic fabric of post-conflict South Sudan.
Entrepreneurs as Peacebuilders
At the heart of this initiative lies a powerful premise: peace cannot thrive in the absence of economic agency. By empowering individuals to start businesses and lead community-driven initiatives, the program aims to foster a self-sustaining cycle of stability and development.
Instead of relying solely on traditional peacebuilding methods, WPDI and Gemini Africa are leveraging entrepreneurship as a catalyst for community transformation. The program provides intensive training in business development, conflict resolution and digital literacy, essential skills that can position youth and women not just as beneficiaries but as agents of change in their own right.
The approach ensures that participants walk away with more than just knowledge. They gain confidence, leadership skills and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to both economic and social systems in their communities.
The Three Pillars of Impact
The initiative begins with inclusive dialogues and leadership training sessions designed to lay the groundwork for peace. Community influencers and traditional leaders are engaged to help instill a culture of collaboration and problem-solving that extends beyond the training room and into everyday community life.
This foundation is followed by targeted empowerment for carefully selected cohorts of young people and women. They undergo a comprehensive training program covering entrepreneurship, peacebuilding methodologies and digital skills. This holistic approach ensures that participants are not only capable of launching businesses but also of navigating the socio-political dynamics that can affect long-term sustainability.
The final component of the program involves business incubation. Trainees participate in competitive pitching sessions, where their business ideas are evaluated by experts from Gemini Africa. Winners receive seed funding, structured mentorship and continued support to bring their ventures to life. These businesses are not only expected to generate income but to create employment and inspire innovation within their communities.
A Proven Model with a Local Focus
This initiative builds on an existing track record of success. WPDI and Gemini Africa have previously partnered on projects across Africa that link peacebuilding and enterprise. Their renewed collaboration in South Sudan demonstrates a shared commitment to long-term, community-based solutions.
WPDI brings with it years of on-the-ground experience and international credibility. Founded in 2012 by UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace Forest Whitaker, the organization has worked in conflict-affected regions worldwide to empower youth and women through education, mediation and entrepreneurship. In South Sudan, WPDI operates learning hubs and community centers that offer access to technology, education and dialogue, resources that are critical in regions recovering from conflict.
On the other hand, Gemini Africa, based in Egypt, is a leading enabler in Africa’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. With deep roots in startup incubation and social enterprise, it has pioneered initiatives such as CinemaTech, the first entrepreneurial track focused on the creative industry. Their work spans across Egypt and is steadily expanding throughout the continent, bringing world-class mentorship, financing and access to opportunities for African founders.
The South Sudan initiative sends a powerful message across the continent: entrepreneurship is not a luxury, it is a necessity, particularly in areas recovering from conflict or facing chronic instability. With the right training and support, local entrepreneurs can build businesses that not only sustain their families but uplift entire communities.
This model offers a blueprint for inclusive development across fragile regions. It reframes entrepreneurs not just as economic actors but as peacebuilders, innovators and community leaders. The lessons learned here could shape policy and practice in other nations facing similar challenges.
Looking Ahead
As the program unfolds over the coming year, WPDI and Gemini Africa will continue to provide updates on its progress, highlighting success stories and community impact. But the true value of this initiative lies in its long-term vision: a South Sudan where peace is locally owned, economically supported and sustained by those who live its reality every day.
In a region too often defined by what it has lost, this initiative is focused on what can be built. It is a testament to the transformative power of inclusive entrepreneurship and a hopeful sign of what’s to come when communities are trusted with the tools to lead their own recovery.
