Netherlands shuts down critical entrepreneurial project in South Sudan

JUBA – The Government of the Netherlands has announced the premature closure of the Orange Corners South Sudan entrepreneurship training programme, ending an initiative that had been expected to run until 2028 and support hundreds of young entrepreneurs across the country.

In a statement released this week, the programme’s organisers said the decision followed concerns about the quality of implementation and compliance with grant conditions attached to funding provided by the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the premature closing of the Orange Corners South Sudan training programme that has been implemented by BizEx Limited since January 2024,” the statement read.

According to the organisers, an assessment conducted during the first two years of the project found that “the implementation and management of the programme was not of sufficient quality.” It also concluded that “specific conditions attached to the grant provided by the Kingdom of the Netherlands for this project were not being met to a satisfactory extent.”

The Orange Corners programme was designed to support youth entrepreneurship in South Sudan through training, mentorship, networking opportunities and access to financing. The initiative forms part of a global programme funded by the Government of the Netherlands through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aimed at helping young entrepreneurs start and grow sustainable businesses in emerging markets.

Globally, the programme is managed by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and implemented in partnership with local organisations in participating countries.

In South Sudan, the training programme was implemented by BizEx Limited with support from partners including Cypress Enterprises Limited, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, and the University of Juba.

Despite the early closure, organisers say the programme managed to support 68 young entrepreneurs during its two years of operation, helping them develop and grow their businesses.

“We thank them for their active participation and welcome them into our global alumni community, where they will continue to be supported in their journey,” the statement said.

The organisers also expressed appreciation to the implementing team and partners for their efforts in promoting youth entrepreneurship in South Sudan.

While the training programme is ending, the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) — which provides financial support to entrepreneurs — will continue operating for graduates of the programme through its partnership with the Foundation for Youth Initiatives (FYI).

However, officials said they are currently assessing how the closure of the training programme could affect the future of the innovation fund in South Sudan.

The shutdown represents a setback for youth entrepreneurship efforts in South Sudan, where access to training, mentorship, and startup capital remains limited for many aspiring business owners.