Empowering Women through Knowledge: Evaluating the Impact of World Bank-Supported Financial Education on Entrepreneurship Development in Juba, South Sudan

Women’s entrepreneurship is vital for economic empowerment and recovery in post-conflict environments like South Sudan. However, many women face challenges such as low financial education, poor training methods, and limited access to resources, which restrict their ability to establish or grow businesses. This study examines the impact of a World Bank-supported financial education program on women’s entrepreneurship development in Juba, focusing on training effectiveness and access to resources. A descriptive and analytical research design was adopted, and structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 317 women who participated in the program. The analysis, conducted using SPSS, included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis to assess the relationships between financial education, training delivery, resource availability, and entrepreneurial outcomes. Findings revealed that 34% of respondents initiated income-generating activities after the training, while 64% reported improved business or financial management. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.572, p < 0.01) was found between financial education and entrepreneurship development. Regression results showed that financial education accounted for 35% of the variance in entrepreneurship outcomes. Despite these positive results, women continued to face barriers such as lack of capital, limited mentorship, and socio-cultural constraints. The study emphasizes the need for participatory, learner-centered approaches and the integration of mentorship and resource facilitation into training programs. It concludes that financial education, when adapted to the local context and supported by institutions, can significantly enhance women’s entrepreneurial success and should be prioritized within South Sudan’s development and recovery agendas.