Malakal, February 9, 2026 (SSNA) – A 28-year-old Cecelia Anei rebuilt her life after losing her home and business during the 2023 conflict, thanks to the Youth Enterprise Development and Capacity Building (YEDCB) project.
The initiative, funded by the African Development Bank Group and implemented by UNDP, provides interest-free loans to young entrepreneurs, enabling them to restart businesses and create jobs.
Anei revived her vegetable-selling business, now employs two workers, and has repaid 38% of her loan, illustrating how the project is transforming lives. With youth making up 72% of South Sudan’s population, the program is opening new market opportunities and helping young people participate in global value chains, including processed honey, peanut butter, and sesame products.