(UNDP/JUBA – April 16, 2026) – A local food processing company in Juba has expanded production and secured new regional orders after receiving financial support aimed at strengthening small businesses in South Sudan’s fragile economy.
African Cornerstone, a medium sized enterprise established three years ago, is increasing output of simsim oil, groundnut products and blended soybean flour using locally sourced raw materials. The company’s growth reflects wider efforts to support value addition and job creation in a business environment where many firms struggle to survive.
Small and medium enterprises in South Sudan face high failure rates, with about 45 percent closing within five years and more than 60 percent failing within three years. Limited access to finance, weak financial management and an unstable business climate driven by insecurity, inflation and poor infrastructure continue to constrain growth. Many businesses also remain informal due to complex and costly registration processes, which restricts access to credit and formal support.
In 2024, African Cornerstone received an interest free loan of 6 million South Sudanese Pounds, equivalent to about 1,053 US dollars, from the African Development Bank and the United Nations Development Programme. The funding enabled the company to purchase raw materials including simsim, groundnuts and soybeans, improving production capacity and ensuring more consistent supply to the market.
The investment also supported improvements in product packaging, strengthening the company’s market presence. A key development has been certification by the South Sudan Bureau of Standards, confirming product quality and opening opportunities for wider market access. The company has since begun receiving orders for simsim oil and groundnut oil from neighbouring Kenya and Uganda.
African Cornerstone currently employs eight permanent staff, including six women, and provides additional casual work opportunities. The company also trains young people in production skills and basic business practices to support income generation.
One employee, Alal Lillian James, works as a sales officer. She says the job has improved her family’s living conditions by providing a stable income and enabling her to contribute to household needs and plan for her child’s future.
The company plans to expand further by acquiring additional machinery to meet growing demand, particularly for its oil products. It also aims to extend distribution beyond Juba to other parts of the country, improving access to locally produced goods.
Management says access to finance remains a major challenge for small businesses, as financial institutions are cautious about lending to micro and small enterprises. Continued investment in youth and women is seen as key to building sustainable incomes and reducing inequality.