By Bosco Bush
Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Joseph Geng Akech, has said the Youth Enterprise Fund policy is under review.
Youth empowerment is a key aspect of both the transitional constitution and the 2018 peace agreement, yet many young people feel that the initiative has been inadequately implemented by the government.
The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCISS) calls for the economic empowerment of youth through the establishment of the Youth Enterprise Development Fund.
Chapter 4, Article 15.1.4 states that the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) should establish a Youth Enterprise Development Fund with the goal of involving more youth in economic growth and development.
Despite its outlined objectives, the Youth Enterprise Development Fund has faced delays since the peace agreement’s implementation, leaving many uncertain about its timeline and future prospects.
In response, Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Joseph Geng Akech acknowledges the delay in implementing this project saying, the ministry is still reviewing the policy that will safeguard the efficient utilization of these funds.
“The Youth and Women Enterprise Development Fund will be a pool of money that will not only be funded by the UN agencies but also by the government and managed transparently.”
“So, as the policy finds its way up to the parliament, we ask that we’re patient to do with the right way. Because it’s not by the way linked to the peace agreement as it were. Policies are not just about peace agreements its part of the empowerment of youth across the country,” Akech stated.
He added that the policy will also help in prioritizing critical tasks, and foster transparency among other guidance.
Akech was speaking during the commemoration of the International Youth Day, conference organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports