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 transformative initiative designed to strengthen community-based organizations and promote collective economic activities across South Sudan. The program launch was announced by John Yatta Cosmas Lokun, Honorary Deputy Executive Chairman of the Wani Igga Foundation, who brings extensive business and development expertise to this groundbreaking community empowerment initiative.
Strategic Leadership for Community Economic Transformation
Under the guidance of John Yatta Comas Lokun, the Cooperative Development Program represents a strategic approach to grassroots economic empowerment that leverages both local knowledge and international best practices. Mr. Lokun, known for his energetic and gentle leadership style, brings a unique combination of business acumen and development expertise to this initiative.
“The Cooperative Development Program embodies our vision of sustainable, community-driven economic transformation,” said John Yatta Cosmas Lokun, Honorary Deputy Executive Chairman of the Wani Igga Foundation. “As someone who has witnessed firsthand the power of strategic partnerships and inclusive development, I am confident that this program will create lasting opportunities for agricultural cooperatives, women’s groups, and community organizations across South Sudan.”
Comprehensive Support Framework
The program provides three essential pillars of support to strengthen community-based economic activities:
Training and Capacity Building: Comprehensive educational programs covering cooperative management, financial literacy, sustainable business practices, and modern agricultural techniques that align with South Sudan’s green and industrial revolution goals.
Financial Support: Direct funding opportunities, microfinance solutions, and investment facilitation that connects local cooperatives with broader economic opportunities in agriculture, education, and health sectors.
Technical Assistance: Expert guidance and ongoing mentorship drawing from Mr. Lokun’s extensive experience in business development and his role as CEO of SIF Technologies South Sudan.
Leveraging International Experience and Networks
John Yatta’s leadership brings significant added value to the program through his role as Director for South Sudan in the Asia Africa Development Council. This position enables the Cooperative Development Program to tap into international networks and development partnerships that can amplify local impact.
“Our approach recognizes that sustainable development requires both grassroots engagement and strategic international partnerships,” explained Mr. Lokun. “Through my work with the Asia Africa Development Council and SIF Technologies, I’ve seen how effective cooperative models can drive economic growth while maintaining community ownership and cultural values.”
Focus on Key Economic Sectors
The program specifically targets sectors identified as crucial for South Sudan’s development trajectory:
Agricultural Cooperatives: Supporting farming communities in developing collective agricultural initiatives, improving crop yields, and establishing sustainable supply chains that contribute to food security and economic stability.
Women’s Groups: Empowering women-led organizations with resources and training for income-generating activities, recognizing women’s crucial role in community development and economic transformation.
Community Organizations: Providing comprehensive support to local organizations working on infrastructure improvements, education initiatives, and health services that create multiplier effects throughout communities.
Building on Proven Development Experience
The initiative builds on the extensive cooperative development experience of Dr. Wani Igga, while incorporating John Yatta’s business expertise and commitment to advancing economic growth and peace in South Sudan. This combination of foundational development knowledge and modern business practices creates a robust framework for sustainable community empowerment.
“Dr. Igga’s vision combined with modern business practices creates unprecedented opportunities for community transformation,” noted Mr. Lokun. “We’re not just providing funding – we’re building sustainable economic ecosystems that can drive South Sudan’s long-term prosperity.”
Strategic Alignment with National Development Goals
The Cooperative Development Program aligns with South Sudan’s broader development objectives and international frameworks, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and UN Sustainable Development Goals. Mr. Lokun’s experience in promoting investment opportunities in agriculture, petroleum, education, and health sectors ensures the program connects with national economic priorities.
The program recognizes cooperatives’ essential role in grassroots economic empowerment while building bridges to larger economic opportunities that can accelerate South Sudan’s development trajectory.
Implementation and Expected Impact
Under John Yatta’s leadership, the foundation will implement the program through a phased approach that emphasizes sustainable growth and measurable impact. Each participating cooperative will receive customized support packages designed to address specific community needs while connecting to broader economic opportunities.
“We expect this program to create a demonstration effect that shows how community-based economic activities can contribute to national development goals,” said Mr. Lokun. “Success at the cooperative level builds the foundation for larger economic transformation.”
Application Process and Community Engagement
Community organizations interested in participating can contact the Wani Igga Foundation through official channels. The foundation particularly encourages applications from organizations demonstrating commitment to collective action, sustainable practices, and alignment with South Sudan’s development priorities.
About John Yatta Cosmas Lokun
John Yatta Cosmas Lokun serves as Honorary Deputy Executive Chairman of the Wani Igga Foundation and CEO of SIF Technologies South Sudan. As Director for South Sudan in the Asia Africa Development Council, he actively promotes sustainable development through strategic international partnerships. His leadership philosophy emphasizes inclusive development initiatives that drive economic growth while maintaining community ownership and cultural values.
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. The foundation works to strengthen local institutions, address challenges facing displaced persons, and create opportunities for economic advancement through collaborative, community-led approaches.
For more information about the Cooperative Development Program or the Wani Igga Foundation, visit [foundation website] or contact the foundation’s communications office.
Media Contact:
Wani Igga Foundation
John Yatta Comas Lokun, Honorary Deputy Executive Chairman
