Central Equatoria to Launch National Youth Job Creation Forum
By Kidega Livingstone
The Central Equatoria State Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, in collaboration with the Juba City Council, is set to launch a major Youth Job Creation Forum aimed at tackling the rampant unemployment crisis gripping young people across South Sudan. While presenting his ministry’s 100-day performance report on Tuesday, State Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Bush Buse emphasized that joblessness remains one of the most critical challenges facing the youth demographics state-wide and nationally.
The upcoming forum will convene government institutions, private sector leaders, development partners, and youth representatives to map out practical solutions for employment generation and sustainable livelihoods.
“We are going to launch the forum on job creation for youth, not only for Central Equatoria State but for the entire South Sudanese youth,” Minister Buse stated.
While an exact date has yet to be finalized, the minister described the initiative as a landmark platform designed to bridge the gap between young job seekers and potential employers, while simultaneously promoting entrepreneurship, vocational training, and skills development.
He added that the forum will allow businesses operating in Juba and surrounding areas to engage directly with young talents.
The initiative launches amid growing urgency over youth unemployment in South Sudan. Youth leaders and civil society groups have repeatedly pressed the government for robust interventions regarding job creation and economic access.
Recent consultations in Central Equatoria have continuously flagged the lack of vocational training and entrepreneurship support as severe bottlenecks.The state-led forum is expected to complement national efforts.
Recently, the National Ministry of Labour alongside the International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced a partnership to provide vocational training and employability skills to over 10,000 South Sudanese youth.
With over 70 percent of South Sudan’s population under the age of 30, socio-economic analysts maintain that driving job creation is paramount to securing long-term peace, stability, and sustainable development across the country.
