While many South Sudanese have recently arrived in the refugee settlements, there are some who have been living in the settlements for years and have worked hard to make a life here. Unlike many of the newer businesses, Haruna’s shop is quite large with lots of inventory and looks a lot like the shops in South Sudan during peacetime.

With access to savings and loans, he plans to continue growing his inventory to transition from retail sales to being a wholesale provider for other businesses within the refugee settlement.

“The benefit of being in the group is that you can help one another. And also you can grow faster when you pool your resources together. You can be able to use it. You can empower yourself faster than when you are alone.”

Haruna is a member of the “God is Able” savings group.