Incubators typically help early-stage founders develop their ideas, test business models and establish their operations. Accelerators usually work with startups that already have a business model or early traction and want to grow more quickly. Depending on the program, entrepreneurs may receive mentorship, business development support, investor introductions, technical training or access to grant and investment opportunities.
South Sudan’s startup support landscape is still developing, and opportunities may be offered through entrepreneurship organisations, development agencies, innovation initiatives and regional African programs rather than through a large number of dedicated local accelerators.
This guide explores potential startup support organisations and funding pathways for South Sudanese entrepreneurs in 2026/2027. It also explains how to find suitable programs, prepare a competitive application and identify opportunities that are genuinely accessible to businesses operating in South Sudan.
Also check: List of Accelerators and Incubators for Startups in Zambia (2026/2027)
Best startup accelerators and incubators in South Sudan
The following organisations and initiatives are among the most relevant places for entrepreneurs to investigate.
Some offer direct business development or incubation support, while others provide training, mentorship, grants or pathways into entrepreneurship programs.
1. Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI)
Entrepreneurship training
WPDI is one of the strongest starting points for young entrepreneurs looking for practical business support in South Sudan.
Its programs have included business boot camps, mentorship, business planning, financial management, marketing and customer relations.
Best for: Young founders, small-business owners and entrepreneurs who need help turning an idea into a viable business.
How to apply: Monitor the official WPDI website for new South Sudan calls and program announcements. Ask about the location, age requirements, business stage and application dates for the next cohort.
2. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) South Sudan
Business development support
UNDP South Sudan has supported entrepreneurship and youth enterprise development through initiatives focused on business skills, employment and economic empowerment.
Its Youth Enterprise Development and Capacity Building project, implemented with the Vocational Skills Development Organization and funded by the African Development Bank, has supported entrepreneurship training and access to finance.
A published beneficiary story describes an entrepreneur in Rumbek who received a loan after participating in business management and entrepreneurship training.
UNDP’s South Sudan Accelerator Lab has also worked on practical solutions to economic challenges, including financial literacy for informal women traders.
United Nations Development Programme
Best for: Young entrepreneurs, informal businesses, women traders and founders interested in livelihood-oriented innovation.
How to apply: Visit UNDP South Sudan and look for current entrepreneurship, youth employment and private-sector development announcements. Not every UNDP initiative accepts applications directly from startups.
3. iHub for Business and Career Development
Innovation and enterprise support
The iHub initiative provides a route into entrepreneurship training, digital learning, career guidance and business development services. A UNDP publication describes centres in Juba, Torit, Rumbek, Bor, Yambio and Malakal, with support for youth and women seeking to develop their skills and businesses.
For founders outside Juba, this network is particularly worth investigating because a local centre may offer more accessible support than an international accelerator.
Best for: Aspiring entrepreneurs, women and young people developing digital or traditional businesses.
How to apply: Start with UNDP South Sudan and ask about the nearest iHub, current training schedules, business registration support and any open incubation opportunities.
4. Foundation for Youth Alliance (FYA)
Enterprise development
The Foundation for Youth Alliance is identified in a World Bank assessment of South Sudan’s entrepreneurship ecosystem as a local organisation providing enterprise development support. Its Enterprise Development Program has focused on farmer cooperatives, youth-led enterprises and grassroots associations.
The assessment describes assistance with business plans, financial management, governance, reporting, branding and marketing, as well as seed funding for eligible enterprises.
Best for: Youth-led businesses, agricultural enterprises, farmer groups and community-based ventures.
How to apply: Look for current announcements and contact details through local enterprise development networks and development partners.
Confirm whether the program is accepting applications in 2026/2027 and whether individual businesses or only groups are eligible.
5. UNITAR RISE LAB
2026 program announced
RISE LAB stands for Resilient Ideas for Sustainable Entrepreneurship. UNITAR announced its 2026 program in July 2026, welcoming 238 young South Sudanese participants to an entrepreneurship and innovation learning initiative focused on food security.
The program covers entrepreneurial thinking, financial management, agribusiness, digital literacy, leadership and innovation. Its learning model includes online lessons, webinars, applied activities and mentorship.
Best for: Young entrepreneurs interested in agribusiness, food systems, livelihoods and community-focused innovation.
How to apply: Visit UNITAR and check the official RISE LAB announcements for future cohorts. The 2026 cohort has already launched, so applicants should confirm whether additional intake or a 2027 edition is planned.
6. South Sudan Women Social and Economic Empowerment Project (SSWSEEP)
Grants and business coaching
SSWSEEP is a government-led project funded by the World Bank. It supports women’s economic participation through business training, leadership coaching, market linkages and financial assistance.
Its Seed Lab and Growth Lab models support enterprises at different stages. A World Bank feature published in March 2026 reported grants of approximately 2,000–4,000 for selected emerging businesses through the Seed Lab and 15,000–50,000 in catalytic grants for selected larger enterprises through the Growth Lab. The article also reported that more than 400 women-owned businesses had received grants by that point.
Best for: Women-owned micro and small businesses and more established women-led enterprises seeking to grow.
How to apply: Read the World Bank’s project feature and seek current eligibility and intake information from the implementing partners or the relevant government ministry. The figures above describe reported program grants, not guaranteed awards for new applicants.
7. IGAD and ICPALD entrepreneurship initiatives
Regional incubation pathway
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and its Centre for Pastoral Areas and Livestock Development (ICPALD) have supported entrepreneurship and incubation activities in South Sudan.
In March 2026, an intensive incubation immersion took place in Juba for co-founders of 20 youth-led startups that had secured their first seed-funding tranche. The activity was organised through an African Development Bank-funded project with the University of Juba as a partner.
This is an especially relevant lead for founders who have already secured funding and need support with execution, operations and growth.
Best for: Youth-led startups, particularly those that have already received seed funding or are involved in regional entrepreneurship initiatives.
How to apply: Monitor IGAD and ICPALD for future calls. The March event was an immersion for selected, already-funded founders, not evidence of an always-open accelerator.
Other entrepreneurship and startup support opportunities to watch
Not every valuable startup support opportunity is called an incubator or accelerator. In South Sudan, programs that provide business training, equipment, seed support or connections to markets may be more practical for some founders than a conventional technology accelerator.
Youth Enterprise Development and Capacity Building
This UNDP initiative is particularly relevant to entrepreneurs seeking foundational business training and pathways to finance. Its published results demonstrate how entrepreneurship training can lead to practical investment in small businesses.
Check whether new cohorts or related projects are being announced for 2026/2027 through UNDP South Sudan.
SEED4Youth
SEED4Youth is another program to monitor. A UNDP publication dated May 21, 2026, describes support for vulnerable young people and women aged 18–35 through vocational training, entrepreneurship skills and startup kits. The program covers areas such as tailoring, catering, agriculture, mechanics and livestock management.
Although it is not a conventional venture-backed accelerator, it may be useful for people starting practical, income-generating businesses.
Find program updates through the UNDP South Sudan website.
Which accelerator or incubator is best for your startup?
The right program depends on your business stage, sector, location and immediate needs.
| Your situation | Best starting point |
| You have a business idea but have not launched | iHub, WPDI or relevant UNDP training initiatives |
| You run a small business and need management skills | WPDI, Foundation for Youth Alliance or UNDP-related programs |
| You are a young entrepreneur interested in agribusiness | UNITAR RISE LAB, WPDI and relevant enterprise development programs |
| You are a woman running a micro or small business | SSWSEEP and other verified women-focused enterprise initiatives |
| You have a technology startup with growth potential | Explore eligible regional accelerators such as Village Capital or The Baobab Network |
| You have received seed funding and need to execute your plan | Investigate IGAD/ICPALD incubation activities and similar follow-on support |
| You want equipment, tools or vocational startup support | Check SEED4Youth and relevant youth livelihood programs |
The most important distinction is between a program that helps you learn to run a business and one that can help you finance and scale an existing business. Some programs do both, but many focus on only one stage.
Also check: List of Accelerators and Incubators for Startups in Zimbabwe (2026/2027)
What sectors do South Sudanese startup programs support?
Entrepreneurs should look for programs that align with their industry instead of applying to every available accelerator.
Agriculture and agribusiness
Agriculture-related businesses can address needs across food production, storage, processing and distribution.
Examples include:
- Food processing and packaging businesses.
- Agricultural input and equipment suppliers.
- Storage and post-harvest loss reduction services.
- Livestock-related businesses.
- Digital tools connecting farmers to buyers.
- Local food distribution and supply-chain services.
Programs such as UNITAR’s RISE LAB and relevant youth enterprise initiatives are worth investigating because of their focus on agribusiness, food security and practical livelihoods.
Digital technology and fintech
Digital startups may focus on mobile commerce, digital payments, financial services, business management software, online education or logistics technology.
Founders should demonstrate how their products work in the local environment, including connectivity limitations, payment preferences, customer affordability and the cost of acquiring users.
Technology accelerators may be useful when a startup already has a working product or a clear plan to test one.
Women’s businesses and inclusive entrepreneurship
Women-led businesses may benefit from support that combines business coaching, market access, financial literacy and funding.
The South Sudan Women Social and Economic Empowerment Project is particularly relevant because its Seed Lab and Growth Lab models have provided tailored support for businesses at different stages.
Eligible founders should check the latest intake requirements rather than assume that a previous funding round is still accepting applications.
Education and skills development
Businesses offering tutoring, vocational training, digital learning or employment services may benefit from programs that emphasise youth empowerment, job creation and entrepreneurship.
Potential customers include students, employers, community organisations and people who need practical skills to enter the workforce.
Renewable energy and essential services
Businesses that provide solar products, energy-efficient equipment, clean water solutions, waste management or other essential services may be worth considering for innovation and impact-focused support.
For these startups, a strong application should explain the problem, the customers willing to pay, the operating costs and the measurable community benefit.
How to apply for a startup accelerator or incubator in South Sudan
Getting accepted is not only about having an original idea. Programs need to see that the founder understands the problem, can deliver a solution and is prepared to make progress with the support provided.
Step 1: Identify the right program
Start with the organisation’s official website, local entrepreneurship networks and announcements from recognised development partners. Confirm that the program is active, accepts applications from your location and supports your business stage.
Step 2: Prepare a clear business plan
Explain what your business does, who your customers are, what problem you solve and how the business will earn money. Include your competitors, estimated costs, pricing and growth plans.
Step 3: Show evidence of demand
If you already operate, provide sales records, customer feedback, repeat purchases, partnerships or other evidence that people want your product. If you are pre-launch, show research, interviews, a prototype or results from a small test.
Step 4: Explain how you will use funding
If the program offers funding, specify what the money will pay for. A realistic budget might include equipment, inventory, product testing, packaging, technology, distribution or staff training, depending on the program’s rules.
Step 5: Demonstrate your team’s ability to deliver
Introduce the founders, describe their responsibilities and highlight relevant experience. Explain how you will manage the business and overcome practical challenges such as logistics, electricity, connectivity or access to suppliers.
Step 6: Submit the application and prepare for follow-up
Complete every required field, provide accurate information and submit before the deadline. Prepare a short pitch and be ready to explain your business model, target market, financial needs and expected results.
Documents you may need
Requirements differ by program, but it is sensible to prepare:
- A business plan or concise business concept note.
- A pitch deck or short presentation.
- Founder identification and contact details.
- Business registration documents, if applicable.
- A simple budget and financial projections.
- Evidence of sales, customer demand or pilot results.
- A description of the problem your business addresses.
- A clear explanation of the requested funding and its intended use.
Some idea-stage programs accept individuals or unregistered businesses, while others require a registered legal entity. Always check the specific rules.
Where to find new startup funding opportunities in South Sudan for 2026/2027
Startup funding announcements can be irregular, particularly when programs depend on donor funding or government partnerships. Rather than relying on old application lists, check official sources regularly.
UNDP South Sudan
Youth enterprise development, entrepreneurship training and livelihood programs.
Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative
Business boot camps, mentorship and entrepreneurship initiatives.
Project announcements, women’s enterprise support and private-sector development.
UNITAR
Youth entrepreneurship, innovation and food-security training opportunities.
IGAD and ICPALD
Regional entrepreneurship initiatives, incubation activities and calls for applications.
Conclusion
South Sudan’s startup ecosystem is still developing, but entrepreneurs can investigate a growing range of business training, incubation, mentorship and funding pathways for 2026/2027.
Among the most relevant starting points are WPDI, UNDP South Sudan, iHub centres, the Foundation for Youth Alliance, UNITAR’s RISE LAB, the South Sudan Women Social and Economic Empowerment Project, and IGAD/ICPALD entrepreneurship initiatives.
Founders seeking a broader technology accelerator may also investigate regional organisations such as Village Capital, GrowthAfrica, The Baobab Network, Startupbootcamp and Techstars, provided their eligibility requirements allow South Sudan-based businesses to participate.
Also check: List of Accelerators and Incubators for Startups in Tanzania (2026/2027)
