From South Sudan to India: A Transformative Journey in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

In February 2025, two talented South Sudanese professionals from the Scenius Community, Zereda Maureen and Koropo Martina, joined fellow young South Sudanese in a transformative journey to India. Through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program; a flagship initiative of the Government of India’s Ministry of External Affairs they traveled to the prestigious Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. There, they participated in a two-week course focused on Innovation, Incubation, and Entrepreneurship. The training brought together 18 participants from nine different countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Niger, Tanzania, Rwanda, Iran, Bhutan, Tajikistan, and South Sudan.

Maureen Zereda and Koropo Martina with collegues at EDII

For Zereda, an executive secretary at Scenius Hub, the experience was an opportunity to explore new landscapes, both personally and professionally.

" The application process felt like a walk in the park with a seamless visa application. In no time, I received an email with the 2 week program and a two way ticket indicating my arrival and departure." she reflects.

From her seamless application process to the warm welcome in India, every step affirmed the value of global engagement.

Meanwhile, Martina, a civil engineer and project coordinator at Alela Technologies, recalls her arrival in Ahmedabad vividly the warmth of the hospitality, the thoughtful accommodations, and the immediate sense of community among participants from across ten different countries.

“Our first interaction wasn't in a traditional classroom, but in a dynamic ‘micro lab’ designed to foster collaboration from the start," she shares.

Throughout the course, the participants were immersed in a rich blend of theory and practice. Sessions covered essential topics such as business modeling, entrepreneurship ecosystems, startup management, costing, pricing strategies, and sustainability. Zereda notes how sessions continually "birthed new concepts," inspiring her to nurture a budding business idea. Martina highlights the powerful advice from Satya Ranjan Acharya, who urged participants to "start early" and creatively break traditional barriers to innovation.

The experience extended far beyond the classroom walls. Both participants relished cultural immersions visiting bustling Indian markets, trying local cuisines, exploring iconic sites like the Statue of Unity and Mahatma Gandhi's residence, and witnessing firsthand the entrepreneurial spirit woven into Gujarat’s social fabric.

Exposure to India’s startup initiatives such as the Startup India Seed Fund, as well as visits to incubation hubs like CREED (Centre for Research in Entrepreneurship Education and Development), International Automobile Centre of Excellence, i-Hub and the Gujarat University Incubation Centre, offered practical insights into the country's serious investment in fostering entrepreneurship. The blend of academic rigor, cultural exploration, and real-world exposure made the ITEC program a truly transformative experience.

Representing South Sudan on an international platform and being selected to document their experiences for broader audiences were proud moments for both. Their journeys affirm that global opportunities like ITEC not only equip individuals with vital skills but also ignite new visions for growth and innovation within their home countries.

Martina echoes a similar sentiment:

"For anyone considering such a program, I highly recommend ITEC. The comprehensive educational content, coupled with immersive cultural experiences and excellent networking opportunities, makes it a unique and invaluable experience. The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India also offers fellowships that are worth exploring if you're committed to deepening your entrepreneurial skills."

As Zereda poignantly reflects,

"I would like to reiterate my sincere gratitude to the Ministry of External Affairs, the ITEC program, EDII, the Republic of South Sudan, Power Fm and Scenius Hub. The collective contribution of these entities entreated me to who I am yet to become and who I am becoming."

Their stories stand as a testament to the power of seizing opportunities, the importance of cross-cultural exchange, and the enduring impact of entrepreneurial education.

Incase you would like to learn more or apply for this opportunity, feel free to reach Maureen Zereda on linkedin via:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/zereda-maureen-560257169/ and Koropo Martina on Linkedin via: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koropomartina/

About the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme:

The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme is the flagship capacity-building initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. Established in 1964, ITEC is one of the world’s oldest and most respected platforms for international capacity building, aimed at fostering cooperation and development among partner countries.

Since its inception, ITEC has trained over 225,000 professionals from more than 160 countries, offering diverse opportunities across sectors including information technology, entrepreneurship, governance, and public administration. With more than 120 participating institutions and over 300 specialized courses offered annually, ITEC provides around 12,000 scholarships each year to support global talent development.

Notably, since 2015, ITEC has delivered more than 2,500 courses and trained over 190,000 IT professionals through the Centre for Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT). Through this broad and impactful network, ITEC continues to play a pivotal role in building professional skills, fostering international partnerships, and promoting sustainable development worldwide.

For more information, visit: https://www.itecgoi.in/

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