South Sudan Unveils Shabaka Meisha Project: Cash Transfers to Support 157,500 Households
In a significant step towards bolstering social welfare, the Government of South Sudan officially launched cash transfer payments under the Shabaka Meisha Project today, aiming to support 157,500 households across 20 counties. The initiative, a hallmark of the nation’s safety net program, seeks to alleviate poverty and stimulate economic opportunities for numerous vulnerable families.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Josephine Lagu Yanga, alongside Minister of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, Hon. Aya Benjamin Warile, officiated the first batch of payments in Joppa Quarter Council, Juba County. They were joined by esteemed representatives from the World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC), demonstrating international support for the project.
The Shabaka Meisha Project, which translates to “livelihoods net,” is a five-year initiative funded by the World Bank with an investment of US$ 199 million. It targets the provision of cash transfers and income-generating opportunities to around 1.1 million individuals, enhancing the National Safety Net Delivery System in the country.
Hon. Lagu articulated the program’s dual purpose, stating, “Shabaka Meisha addresses immediate household needs, helping vulnerable families transition to self-reliance through agriculture and economic activities.” This multifaceted approach includes cash transfers, Labour-Intensive Public Works, and behavioral change training designed to uplift households.
The roll-out of cash transfers began today in Juba and will extend to eight additional counties, following extensive preparatory work which encompassed targeting beneficiaries, biometric registrations, and establishing community oversight committees to ensure transparency and accountability.
Addressing the media, Hon. Aya Benjamin Warile emphasized the focus on women, children, and other vulnerable groups, asserting that the initiative aims to build resilience and improve overall welfare. Meanwhile, Hon. Benjamin Ayali Koyongwa, Undersecretary for Planning at the Ministry of Finance, reinforced the government’s commitment to a comprehensive approach to social protection, combining immediate relief with long-term developmental goals.
Maryam Salim, World Bank Country Director for South Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Sudan, highlighted the project’s significance in enhancing human capital and nurturing climate resilience. She affirmed the Bank’s commitment to establishing a robust social protection system that empowers citizens and fosters sustainable development.
Furthermore, Cheick Oumar Sylla, IFC’s Regional Director, stressed that this milestone reflects the World Bank Group’s dedication to strengthening the resilience of vulnerable households.
Originally launched nationally in August 2023, the Shabaka Meisha Project builds upon previous initiatives to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience among South Sudanese households, paving the way for a brighter economic future.
