Tangaza University, Nairobi, Kenya

Email: suzyanong3@gmail.com

Abstract: The aim of study was to examine the predictors of women entrepreneurial initiatives among Lotuko community in Juba, South Sudan. The study was anchored on the theory of Entrepreneurship. A cross-sectional design was used in the research. The target population was 100 registered women entrepreneurs in Lotuko, Juba City. A non-probability sampling techniques was used to sample 100 registered women entrepreneurs. Questionnaires were used in data collection. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as measures of central tendencies and dispersion with the use (SPSS) version 25. The analyzed data was presented using frequency distribution tables. The qualitative data was presented in verbatim form. It was found that women participation in entrepreneurship has been affected by the cultural beliefs and traditions in Juba. Finding also indicated that cultural differences among the Juba communities greatly affect the women entrepreneurship initiatives and development. South Sudanese women feel discriminated in terms of accessing loans and finances from financial institutions thus hinder their entrepreneurial initiatives whereas the infrastructures of the country are available to promote women owned enterprises in Juba. Finally, woman take the initiative of identifying business opportunities and ideas in the environment of Juba City. The study further suggests that the role of women in the economic wake up of the country is very key and thus government needs to give strong support financially, in terms of entrepreneurial education and favourable policies that protect women against male discrimination in business. This will ensure a steady growth of communities and the Country as a whole.