Gemini Uplift: Final Pitching Events Across South Sudan

As part of the Gemini Uplift program, implemented by Gemini Africa in partnership with the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI), the first cohort of entrepreneurs in South Sudan reached a key milestone with the successful completion of the final pitching events across three cities: Juba, Yambio, and Torit. Following a series of intensive capacity-building bootcamps and virtual training sessions, participants were given the opportunity to present their business ideas and progress in front of a panel of judges, stakeholders, and program partners. These pitching events marked the culmination of weeks of learning, practical application, and mentorship.

A Platform for Local Entrepreneurs

Across all three locations, participants demonstrated strong commitment, creativity, and a clear understanding of their business concepts. The pitching format focused on evaluating key aspects of each business, including: Business idea and problem-solution fit, Market understanding and customer segmentation, Financial awareness and cost structure, Marketing and sales approach and Risk identification and mitigation.

Translating Knowledge into Action

The journey leading to the final pitching events began with three in-person bootcamps conducted in Juba, Yambio, and Torit, followed by a six-session virtual bootcamp series covering essential topics such as social impact, finance, marketing, customer segmentation, and pitching skills. This blended approach ensured that participants not only gained theoretical knowledge but also had the opportunity to continuously refine and strengthen their business ideas.

Selection of Top Entrepreneurs

As part of the program’s impact objectives, a total of 18 businesses are expected to be supported across the three centers—6 from each location. These selected entrepreneurs will receive financial grants and business development support to help them launch or scale their ventures. The evaluation process, conducted collaboratively by Gemini Africa and WPDI representatives, ensures fairness, consistency, and alignment with the program’s goals.

Driving Impact Through Entrepreneurship

The Gemini Uplift program reflects a shared commitment between Gemini Africa and WPDI to foster economic empowerment, youth engagement, and community resilience in South Sudan. By equipping entrepreneurs with practical tools and supporting them through to implementation, the program contributes to building sustainable livelihoods in a challenging yet opportunity-rich environment.

Looking Ahead

With the successful completion of the final pitching phase, the focus now shifts toward supporting the selected businesses and preparing for future cohorts. The lessons learned from this first phase will play a key role in scaling the program’s impact across other regions. Gemini Uplift continues to stand as a strong example of how collaboration, capacity building, and local engagement can drive meaningful change across communities.