South Sudan entrepreneurs boost food security with WFP support
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In South Sudan, entrepreneurs are building businesses that connect farmers to markets and improve nutrition with support from the World Food Programme (WFP).
Cissy Apio Mario of Africa Cornerstone began processing local oilseeds in 2024, expanding from 15 farmers to 90 after receiving a grant from WFP’s IGNITE Innovation Hub. Mario’s company increased oil production from 10 to 120 litres weekly and now receives international inquiries.
Helen Foni, founder of Lulu Bakes in Juba, started a bakery in 2023 to address poor nutrition and unemployment. An IGNITE grant of US$25,000 allowed her to purchase new equipment, doubling her workforce to 14 employees, 80 percent of whom are women. Alfred John Galeo and his partners launched Dream Farm Agribusiness Cooperative in 2025 to provide affordable, locally-sourced eggs.
The WFP’s IGNITE program, funded by Denmark and Germany, has supported over 100 enterprises across East Africa with more than US$2 million in grants. Beyond funding, IGNITE provides training, mentorship, and market access, helping entrepreneurs create sustainable businesses and address food insecurity in South Sudan. The initiative aims to shift the country's focus from emergency food aid to long-term, locally-driven solutions.
