FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Juba, South Sudan – October 14, 2025 – The Wani Igga Foundation (WIF) today announced the launch of its comprehensive Cooperative Development Program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to strengthen community-based organizations and promote collective economic activities across South Sudan. This strategic program represents a significant step forward in grassroots economic empowerment and sustainable community development.
Comprehensive Support for Community Organizations
The Cooperative Development Program will provide three core pillars of support to community-based organizations:
- Training and Capacity Building: Comprehensive educational programs covering cooperative management, financial literacy, and sustainable business practices
- Financial Support: Direct funding opportunities and microfinance solutions tailored to cooperative needs
- Technical Assistance: Expert guidance and ongoing mentorship to ensure long-term success and sustainability
Target Beneficiaries and Focus Areas
The program specifically targets three key community segments that form the backbone of South Sudan’s grassroots economy:
Agricultural Cooperatives: Supporting farmers and agricultural communities in developing collective farming initiatives, improving crop yields, and establishing sustainable supply chains that benefit entire communities.
Women’s Groups: Empowering women-led organizations with resources and training to launch income-generating activities, from handicrafts and small-scale manufacturing to service-based enterprises that strengthen family and community economic security.
Community Organizations: Providing comprehensive support to local organizations working on community development projects, infrastructure improvements, and social services that create lasting positive impact.
Drawing on Proven Leadership Experience
The initiative builds on the extensive cooperative development experience of Dr. Wani Igga, whose decades of leadership in South Sudan’s development sector have demonstrated the transformative power of community-based economic models. Dr. Igga’s vision emphasizes that true economic empowerment occurs when communities work collectively to address their own challenges and opportunities.
“Cooperatives represent the foundation of sustainable economic development,” said Dr. Wani Igga, founder of the Wani Igga Foundation. “When communities come together to pool their resources, knowledge, and efforts, they create powerful engines for economic transformation that benefit everyone involved. This program will provide the tools and support necessary to turn these collaborative visions into thriving realities.”
Strategic Alignment with Regional Development Goals
The Cooperative Development Program aligns with key regional and international development frameworks, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on poverty reduction, economic growth, and community empowerment.
The program recognizes that grassroots economic empowerment serves as a crucial foundation for national development, creating resilient communities that can drive sustainable growth from the ground up. By strengthening cooperative structures, the initiative aims to build economic stability that withstands external challenges and creates opportunities for future generations.
Implementation and Community Impact
The Wani Igga Foundation will implement the program through a phased approach, beginning with pilot communities and gradually expanding based on demonstrated success and community demand. Each participating cooperative will receive customized support packages designed to address their specific needs and development goals.
The foundation expects the program to directly benefit thousands of community members while creating a multiplier effect that strengthens entire regional economies. Success will be measured not only through economic indicators but also through improved community cohesion, enhanced food security, and increased resilience to economic and environmental challenges.
Community organizations interested in participating in the Cooperative Development Program can contact the Wani Igga Foundation through official channels. The foundation encourages applications from organizations demonstrating commitment to collective action, community benefit, and sustainable development practices.
About Wani Igga Foundation
The Wani Igga Foundation is a humanitarian organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development, community empowerment, and positive social transformation in South Sudan and across Africa. Founded on principles of grassroots development and community-led solutions, the foundation works to address challenges facing displaced persons, strengthen local institutions, and create opportunities for economic advancement through collaborative approaches.
For more information about the Cooperative Development Program or the Wani Igga Foundation, visit [www.waniiggafoundation.org] or contact the foundation’s communications office.
Media Contact:
Wani Igga Foundation
This announcement represents the Wani Igga Foundation’s continued commitment to community-driven development solutions and economic empowerment initiatives that create lasting positive change in South Sudan and beyond.
