May 18 2020
Self employment: a remedy for unemployment
Photo: Courtesy of Richard Stephen
By Rutha Adili James, Sawa Sawa Network
From employee to employer, Richard Stephen is the sole proprietor of a hardware store
called Ngongi Taling Enterprises Limited. Started in October 2021, partially using his
personal savings and located in Konyo Konyo, the store deals in building supplies such
as soft and hard wood, iron sheets, nails and in the course of time, cement.
“With self employment, you are motivated to work hard for your own job satisfaction
due to creative freedom, flexibility and passion for your business, leading to increased
wealth”, Richard says.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate in South Sudan
has increased to 12.70% in 2020 from 12% in 2019. Therefore, a 1% increase in the self
employment rate brings down unemployment by 1%.
“Start something you are passionate about. Be business minded and see what other
people are doing, and try to do it even better”.
But just like any other business venture, Richard faces a number of obstacles in
running his business. “Softwood is hard to get due to its unavailability in the country,
and must be imported from Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
As for hardwood, the roads are inaccessible during the rainy season”.
So, in order to ensure the smooth running of business, one should be fully stocked on
supplies before the rainy season.
Richard attributes his success to extreme hard work and dedication, and plans to
expand his business to a more permanent structure and recruit more people.
He states that “If you fail in the first attempt of starting your own business, try a second
or third time, with the same business idea you are passionate about but this time, using
a different approach, and you will definitely succeed”.