Youth, Innovation & Digital

Youth are the country’s largest demographic and biggest asset. This section explores digital transformation, emerging startups, creative industries, skills, and youth-driven innovation that can shape South Sudan’s future.

Digital skills Entrepreneurship Tech ecosystems Innovation hubs Youth leadership

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Young majority

Most of the population is under 25 — shaping markets, labour, and creativity.

Demographics

Emerging tech

Mobile connectivity, fintech, and startups are growing across towns and the diaspora.

Digital

High potential

Youth drive change in business, innovation, arts, and civic spaces.

Opportunity

Why youth & digital innovation matter

With one of the youngest populations in the world, South Sudan has a generation capable of transforming the country through entrepreneurship, digital skills, creativity, and civic participation.

Youth strengths

Growing interest in entrepreneurship and freelancing.
Strong creativity in music, media, design, and tech.
Diaspora networks for mentorship and remote collaboration.
Adaptability to digital tools and mobile-first innovation.

System constraints

Limited digital infrastructure and internet access.
Few formal jobs — high reliance on informal economies.
Gaps in advanced digital skills and training centres.
Need for safe civic spaces and platforms for youth voices.

Digital landscape & technology ecosystem

The digital ecosystem is expanding through telecom growth, mobile money, online learning platforms, and diaspora-driven tech ventures.

Mobile-first nation

Most digital activity happens through smartphones, enabling commerce, learning, and community engagement.

Mobile

Fintech & payments

Mobile money in neighbouring countries is influencing fintech adoption in border areas and towns.

Fintech

Online skills

Youth increasingly use YouTube, Coursera, and remote-learning tools to gain digital and entrepreneurial skills.

Skills

Startups & innovation hubs

Emerging tech hubs and digital groups are creating access to training, internet, and collaboration.

Startups

Creative industries

Music, film, media, and digital art are becoming platforms for youth talent and business models.

Creative

Diaspora technology

Diaspora-led ventures in fintech, telecom, logistics, and e-commerce are shaping cross-border innovation.

Diaspora

Youth entrepreneurship & opportunity

Youth are building businesses in retail, transport, food services, design, media, digital work, and tech.

Digital freelancing

Remote work in design, social media, IT support, and content creation.

Graphic design & branding
Editing & media services
IT troubleshooting & remote support

Local startups

Entrepreneurs building platforms in logistics, e-commerce, and learning.

Delivery and courier services
Online shops and marketplaces
Education and training platforms

Tech hubs & digital spaces

Shared workspaces, youth centres, and training hubs provide mentorship and internet access.

Innovation labs
Skill incubators
Youth clubs & community tech spaces

Creative entrepreneurship

Music, film, photography, and digital arts create jobs and cultural influence.

Studios & media production
Event promotion
Online digital art markets

Barriers youth face

Understanding these constraints helps shape realistic opportunities for change.

Connectivity gaps

Internet remains costly and inconsistent, especially outside major towns.

Digital access

Limited training pathways

Few formal training centres for coding, design, or digital business skills.

Skills

Capital constraints

Youth lack access to credit, savings, and small business capital.

Finance

Market fragmentation

Small markets, low purchasing power, and high competition affect growth.

Markets

Security & mobility

Localised insecurity affects movement, opportunities, and access to spaces.

Mobility

Gender barriers

Young women face additional challenges in access, norms, and resources.

Equity

The future of innovation

The next decade offers significant potential for digital expansion, skills development, and diaspora collaboration.

More accessible digital training and coding bootcamps.
Growth of telecom infrastructure and internet coverage.
Rise of small startups solving local problems.
Cross-border remote work linking youth to global markets.
Youth leadership in civic, creative, and innovation spaces.

This section will evolve to include youth stories, innovation profiles, and startup directories.