Akhol, a proud member of the Class of 2022 at LASS, shares his journey into entrepreneurship. One of the most significant moments in his journey was the training he received from LEAD 4africa through one of our instrumental partners: Sinapis. The knowledge and confidence gained from this program gave him the tools to turn his vision into a thriving business.
He founded Sunrise Agro Business last year during his vacation, driven by the crisis of widespread food insecurity in South Sudan. Despite the abundance of fertile land, agriculture was largely neglected, leading to a dire food situation. Akhol recognized that the issue wasn’t a lack of resources but a lack of value placed on farming. Determined to be part of the solution, he decided to take action.
Starting small, Akhol hired people to plough two hectares of land and planted groundnuts, sorghum, simsim, and millet—staple crops crucial for food security. The first harvest was a success, and the produce is now stored in his village, waiting for the right season when demand is high. This strategy allows him to sell at better prices and maximize profits.
Angello Akhol Arun is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at Makerere University. One of his major breakthroughs came when he began supplying groundnut paste to university students. This venture has proven highly profitable and demonstrated that agribusiness is not just about large-scale farming, but also about smart market positioning.
Running an agriculture business has its challenges, but the entrepreneurial skills Akhol gained through Sinapis and LASS have given him the confidence to navigate them. He has learned financial management, market strategy, and how to scale a business sustainably. These skills have helped shape his long-term vision for Sunrise Agro Business—expanding beyond his village, cultivating thousands of hectares, and supplying food not only within South Sudan but to neighboring countries as well.
Currently, the business relies heavily on family labor for storage and monitoring, with community members employed during key farming seasons such as cultivation, weeding, and harvesting. This approach not only addresses food security but also provides employment opportunities. Akhol sees this as just the beginning. As the business grows, he hopes to empower even more young people and farmers, encouraging them to view agriculture as a viable path to economic stability.
Akhol is deeply grateful to 4africa’s LEAD program and Sinapis for believing in him and investing in his growth. Their training has transformed his mindset and equipped him to be a solution to South Sudan’s challenges. He is honored to be on this journey and is confident that with continued learning and perseverance, Sunrise Agro Business will become a pillar of agricultural transformation in South Sudan and beyond.
The journey of Angello Akhol Arun is just one example of the transformative impact of LEAD 4africa’s training and support. Through their partnership with programs like Sinapis, 4africa is investing in young leaders across Africa to tackle pressing challenges, from food insecurity to economic instability.
By donating to 4africa, you are investing in the future of entrepreneurs, leaders, and change-makers like Akhol, who are working to change their communities for generations to come. Your contribution will help provide essential training, resources, and mentorship to young, driven individuals across East Africa, equipping them with the tools they need to make a real impact.
Together, we can support the next generation of leaders who are ready to transform East Africa.
