Why This Forum

Background

South Sudan is facing a deep employment and labour market crisis characterized by high unemployment, a widening skills gap, Skills mismatch, increasing brain drain, and weak coordination between policy, education, and the private sector. Each year, thousands of graduates enter the labour market with academic qualifications but limited employable skills, while employers struggle to access competent and job-ready talent.

At the same time, four generations, Gen Y, Gen Z, emerging Gen Alpha, and an aging workforce are navigating economic instability, informal employment dominance, and the global shift toward digital and AI-driven work. Despite these challenges, there is no dedicated national platform for structured dialogue on HR, employment, and the future of work in South Sudan.

The 1st Annual Human Resource & Employment Forum 2026 is designed to address, and discuss doable ways to fill this gaps.

Forum Objective

The overall objective of the forum is to create a national platform that brings together policymakers, employers, workers, development partners, and youth to engage in practical dialogue and co-create solutions for employment and skills development in South Sudan.

Specific objectives include:

  • Assessing the current employment and labour market realities
  • Bridging the gap between education, skills, and employer needs
  • Addressing brain drain and labour migration from a regional perspective
  • Promoting inclusive employment for youth and women
  • Generating practical recommendations for policy and private sector reform.

Forum Theme:

Main Theme:

Four Generations, One Employment Crisis: Rethinking Skills, Policy & the Future of Work in South Sudan

Format & Duration

The forum will be conducted for one [1] full day at Gelila Hotel Juba, South Sudan, with an estimated 60 invited participants. The format will include keynote addresses, moderated panel discussions, roundtable breakout sessions, and solution-focused dialogues.

Target Participants

  • Government institutions (Ministry of Labour and relevant agencies)
  • Private sector leaders and HR professionals
  • Financial institutions, telecoms, and large employers
  • Training and academic institutions
  • Development partners and UN agencies
  • Media representatives

Expected Outputs

  • Forum communiqué summarizing key discussions
  • Practical recommendations for policy and private sector action
  • Post-forum report and media brief
  • Foundation for an annual national HR and employment platform

Convening & Leadership

The forum will be convened and hosted by Snap HR and Consultancy, which will serve as the lead organizer, secretariat, and moderator of discussions in collaboration with strategic partners.

Long-Term Vision

The South Sudan HR & Employment Forum is envisioned as an annual national dialogue platform that contributes to labour policy reform, strengthens private sector engagement, and positions South Sudan within the broader East African employment ecosystem.