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January 8th, 2025 – The 2024 East African Community (EAC) Trade Fair in Juba, South Sudan, proved to be a groundbreaking event for regional artisans and small business owners, especially for five women supported by the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) through a grant from SkinnyDipped. Under the theme « Promotion of Unique Innovations and Skills Development Amongst EAC MSMEs, » this year’s trade fair provided an ideal platform for showcasing their talents, innovations, and entrepreneurial drive as well as the relevance of fostering women’s entrepreneurship among vulnerable communities.
With over 1,500 exhibitors representing the eight EAC Partner States—South Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—the trade fair was a vibrant hub for innovation, learning, and collaboration. It offered an invaluable opportunity for participating entrepreneurs to present their products, expand their networks, and foster economic growth. Among the many inspiring stories, the experiences of these five women illustrate the transformative impact of economic empowerment programs.
Mary Lado: A Journey of Empowerment and Innovation
Mary Lado exemplifies the power of entrepreneurship and resilience. With a $200 loan accessed through WPDI’s revolving fund in Munuki, she built a sustainable business specializing in beads, traditional clothing, and handmade products that reflect the rich cultural heritage of South Sudan.
“I cannot thank WPDI enough for equipping me with the skills and knowledge needed to transform my business. The training I received has made a significant impact. I utilized a $200 loan from our group’s revolving fund to create beautiful beads, traditional attire, and other handmade items, which I sold at the EAC Trade Fair and in the local Konyokonyo market. I was thrilled to generate a profit of $200, which allowed me to repay the loan. The EAC Trade Fair also opened doors for me; I connected with fellow business owners from Kenya and Uganda, which will help me source raw materials for my business in Juba. Thanks to the efforts and support, basic necessities like food, medication, and clothing are now within reach for me and my family. I truly appreciate the support from WPDI and SkinnyDipped.” — Mary Lado
Kusburu Mayik: A Rising Entrepreneur with Big Plans
Kusburu Mayik’s success at the trade fair is a testament to the untapped potential of local entrepreneurs. She reported generating 100,000 SSP daily (about $25) during the exhibition—a significant income for a small business owner in her community (the average monthly salary in South Sudan ranges from $300 to 1000$). The fair also opened up opportunities for future growth, with organizations like Alpha Bank expressing interest in supporting her business.
By collaborating with WPDI and SkinnyDipped, Kusburu and her group plan to formalize their business by registering it, opening a local bank account, and taking advantage of additional support for transportation and accommodation during the upcoming EAC Trade Fair in the DRC. Her entrepreneurial journey is an inspiring example of how visibility and collaboration can unlock new markets.
She said: “I generated nearly 650,000 SSP (around $150) during the 10-day East African Community (EAC) Trade Fair in Juba, and I owe it all to the support from WPDI and their partner, SkinnyDipped. Through their training programs, I learned valuable business and entrepreneurial skills, and I accessed group revolving funds to help expand my business. I specialize in selling traditional beads, perfumes, and other beautiful ornaments, and the profits I make have been a lifeline for my family. I’m now able to cover essential expenses like medication, school fees, and clothing. I’m also excited to say that I’m preparing for the next EAC Trade Fair, which will take place next year in the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
Siki John: Feeding Success Through Culinary Creativity
The culinary creativity of Siki John and her colleagues, Flora Africa and Alice Michael from the Munuki Women Group, was on full display at the trade fair. Through their food business, they generated a profit of 950,000 SSP (about $211) by catering to the exhibitors and visitors.
“I am incredibly grateful to WPDI for empowering me with the entrepreneurial skills and knowledge I needed to succeed. The start-up capital I accessed through our group’s revolving fund allowed me to diversify my business. During the EAC Trade Fair, I sold food to exhibitors, and I’m proud to say that I generated nearly 950,000 SSP (about $211) in profits. This income has made a real difference in my life, helping me pay for school fees, medication, and transportation. Thank you, WPDI, for providing me with this opportunity to thrive.” — Siki John
Empowering Women, Transforming Communities
Siki’s testimonial reveals the many benefits that entrepreneurship has brought to these women. By earning consistent income, they can send their children to school, cover medical expenses, and meet daily needs—contributing to a more stable and prosperous society. Another, less visible but no less important, benefit is the self confidence and pride they gain through their endeavor.
This women’s economic empowerment project aligns closely with the goals of the EAC, which aims to bolster the socio-economic integration of its member states. By fostering trade, not just of goods but also of experiences, initiatives like these help bridge gaps in knowledge and technology across the region.
The East African Community Trade Fair: A Catalyst for Change
Since its inception in 1999 in Arusha, the EAC’s annual trade fair has played an essential role in promoting trade and cooperation among Partner States. It provides a space for artisans and entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and innovate—fostering a spirit of collaboration that drives economic growth.
The participation of these five women in the 2024 Trade Fair not only reflects their individual accomplishments but also symbolizes progress toward greater economic empowerment for women in East Africa, particularly South Sudan. Their inspiring stories highlight the importance of supporting local businesses and initiatives that contribute to community development and prosperity.
As WPDI and SkinnyDipped continue to invest in empowering women, the ripple effects of these efforts promise to create a brighter future for families, communities, and the region as a whole. These stories remind us that with the right support, women entrepreneurs can achieve incredible feats and pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive economy.