Businesswomen have been urged to embrace technology in order to advertise their products and reach a wider market. The call comes amid a growing trend towards e-commerce in the country, with more and more people using the internet to buy and sell goods.
South Sudan is a country with enormous economic potential, but it has been plagued by conflict and political instability for many years. The business sector has been particularly hard hit, with many entrepreneurs struggling to access finance, find customers, and compete with larger companies.
However, recent developments in technology offer a glimmer of hope for businesswomen in the country. With the rise of mobile phones and the internet, it has become easier than ever before to advertise products and reach a wider market. Social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp are increasingly popular, and many business owners are using them to promote their goods.
Speaking at a recent workshop in Juba, the capital city, businesswoman Achai Wiir urged her colleagues to take advantage of these technological tools. “We need to embrace technology in order to grow our businesses,” she said. “If we want to compete with bigger companies, we need to be able to reach a wider market, and technology can help us do that.”
The workshop was organized by the South Sudan Women’s Entrepreneurship Association (SSWEA), which aims to support and empower women in business. The association provides training, networking opportunities, and access to finance, among other services.
According to SSWEA founder Mary Ayen Mayardit, the organization is committed to helping women entrepreneurs in South Sudan overcome the challenges they face. “We know that women are the backbone of the economy in South Sudan, but they often face barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential,” she said. “By providing them with the tools and resources they need, we can help them to succeed and contribute to the growth of our country.”
The use of technology in business is not without its challenges, however. Many women in South Sudan do not have access to reliable internet or mobile phone networks, and there are concerns about the security of online transactions. In addition, there is a lack of awareness and understanding of e-commerce among some business owners.
To address these issues, SSWEA is working with government agencies and other organizations to improve internet infrastructure and promote digital literacy. The association is also partnering with mobile network operators and financial institutions to develop mobile money and other payment systems that are secure and easy to use.
Despite the challenges, the use of technology in business is seen as a key driver of economic growth and development in South Sudan. With the right support and infrastructure in place, women entrepreneurs can play a vital role in this process, creating jobs and driving innovation in a country that desperately needs both.
As Ayen Mayardit put it, “We believe that women entrepreneurs are the key to unlocking the economic potential of South Sudan. By embracing technology and working together, we can build a brighter future for our country.”
