Eleven South Sudanese ventures have been awarded a combined USD 320,000 in this year’s WFP IGNITE Food Systems Innovation Challenge, marking a decisive step towards building a stronger and more resilient food system in the country. With support from the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) and the German Development Bank, KfW, the challenge is creating a pathway for local entrepreneurs to turn innovative ideas into impactful solutions that can address food security, climate challenges and economic growth.
The IGNITE Food Systems Innovation Challenge, now in its second edition after the inaugural event in 2021, was launched earlier this year with the aim of discovering and supporting homegrown solutions. The winning ventures receive grants ranging from USD 15,000 to USD 40,000. Beyond financial support, they also gain access to expert mentorship, business acceleration services and the opportunity to build strategic partnerships. This combination of resources equips them not only to strengthen their businesses but also to play a larger role in transforming South Sudan’s food system.
Government leaders have emphasized that initiatives like this are crucial for the country’s future. Dr. John Ogoto Kanisio, Undersecretary for Agriculture at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, described building sustainable food systems as the cornerstone of South Sudan’s journey towards food security, economic sovereignty and climate resilience. He explained that investing in young and innovative entrepreneurs creates jobs, unlocks rural potential and drives inclusive agribusiness growth. He also stressed that these entrepreneurs will help position South Sudan more competitively in both regional and global markets, while the Ministry remains committed to supporting this vision and calling on partners to do the same.
Among this year’s winners, two women-led ventures stood out as the top performers. Africa Cornerstone General Trading is introducing biodegradable and recyclable packaging solutions designed to reduce food waste and lower carbon emissions. Meanwhile, Dream Farm Agribusiness Cooperative has been recognized for its work in recycling poultry manure into organic fertilizer, creating sustainable feed solutions and adopting water-saving housing systems. These innovations highlight the important role women are playing in shaping sustainable practices and addressing environmental challenges within the country’s food system.
The challenge has also gained strong support from international partners. Dr. Björn Niere, German Head of Cooperation, said the IGNITE Food Systems Challenge demonstrates the strength of homegrown solutions by local entrepreneurs. He explained that sustainable food systems depend on innovations like these but also require strong partnerships, clear standards and an enabling environment for ideas to grow. Germany, he added, is proud to work with WFP, DANIDA and local partners to ensure ventures such as these can thrive and have lasting impact.
WFP’s Acting Country Director in South Sudan, Adham Effendi, underlined that the lack of access to finance and technical support is limiting the potential of many young South Sudanese entrepreneurs. He said that through the generous support of DANIDA and KfW, WFP is able to reach bright and talented entrepreneurs, unlocking their potential and enabling them to provide practical solutions to food system challenges.
The competition was rigorous, with more than 200 entries submitted nationwide. The eleven winners reflect the diversity of South Sudan’s entrepreneurial landscape, with solutions spanning agri-tech, post-harvest management, livestock production and sustainable food distribution. In addition to Africa Cornerstone General Trading and Dream Farm Agribusiness Cooperative, the winners include AgriSmart Farm & Urban Gardens, Golden Farm South Sudan Ltd, Hope and Care for Development, Long Puou Cooperative Society, Lulu Bakes, Mading Chan Young Network Economic Development, Magwi College of Agribusiness & Management Science, National Star Investment Co. Ltd and Tropical Wet Organics Ltd.
Nanko Madu, Director of Programmes at AfriLabs, said this achievement represents more than recognition of entrepreneurial excellence. He described it as a turning point for inclusive, homegrown innovation in South Sudan. By supporting visionary local businesses, he said, the challenge is fuelling sustainable economic growth and showing that real change can and must come from within. According to him, the entrepreneurs selected this year are the architects of a more food-secure and climate-resilient future for South Sudan.
The IGNITE Food Systems Challenge was created by the World Food Programme’s IGNITE Innovation Hub and is implemented in South Sudan through partnerships with AfriLabs and Seed Grow South Sudan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Its goal is to identify and promote locally driven solutions that strengthen food systems while empowering young people to take the lead.
The impact of the challenge can already be seen from its first edition. Past winners include Hagana Agro Processing Company, which has grown into a well-known household brand in South Sudan and competes on regional markets. This example shows how targeted investment and mentorship can elevate small local ventures into competitive businesses with broader influence.
The United Nations World Food Programme remains at the heart of this effort. As the world’s largest humanitarian organization, WFP saves lives in emergencies while also using food assistance as a pathway to stability, prosperity and peace. Its work in South Sudan demonstrates how humanitarian and development efforts can go hand in hand, supporting resilience and long-term growth even in fragile contexts.
AfriLabs, which supports the challenge, is the largest network of technology and innovation hubs across Africa. Through its network, AfriLabs continues to drive inclusive innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development by empowering local hubs to scale their impact and shape Africa’s future.
For South Sudan, the success of these ventures signals hope and progress. By supporting innovative entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship and networks, the WFP IGNITE Food Systems Innovation Challenge is giving life to ideas that can reduce food insecurity, promote sustainability and create jobs. This year’s winners are not just businesses; they are leaders of change, carrying the potential to transform the country’s food system and shape a better future for generations to come.
