UNDP Resident Representative, Mohamed Abchir speaking at the University of Juba during the launch of a 1.5-million-dollar Innovation Pod on Tuesday, Dec.9, 2025 - Photo credit: Awan Moses/Eye Radio

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the University of Juba have launched a 1.5-million-dollar Innovation Pod aimed at boosting entrepreneurship and empowering youth economically in South Sudan.

The initiative is part of a collaboration between UNDP and the University of Juba to foster youth-led innovation and support young people in developing solutions to real-world challenges.

The UNDP Resident Representative, Mohamed Abchir, said the Pod is designed to gradually transition the country toward a development-focused future by using innovation to advance South Sudan’s socio-economic growth.

“UNDP decided that South Sudan will not be left behind, and we must deliberately invest in innovation within the country, work closely with the University of Juba, and be bold enough to transition from ideas to proof of concept,” he said.

Abchir said the University of Juba Innovation Pod will provide a creative space where students, faculty, and entrepreneurs can collaborate, experiment, and develop practical solutions.

The facility is equipped with modern industrial equipment for metalwork, woodwork, agriculture, textiles and fabrics, electrical and electronic systems, audio-visual systems, green technology, and laser cutting.

He added that successful innovation requires an ecosystem where government, academia, civil society, the private sector, financiers, and development partners work together, combining strategic, technical, financial, and market expertise.