In South Sudan's capital, Juba, a vibrant community of young men and women are passionately practicing their runway skills, with aspirations of breaking into the global fashion industry, which has increasingly recognized South Sudan as a promising talent pool. Since the country's independence in 2011, despite its tumultuous history of conflict and poverty, South Sudan has produced several internationally renowned models. Industry reports indicate that models such as Awar Odhiang, who transitioned from a refugee camp to walking for high-profile brands like Chanel, and Alek Wek, discovered after fleeing war, serve as inspirational figures for many hopefuls aiming to follow in their footsteps.

Modelling agencies in Juba, such as Jubalicious, are dedicated to training these aspiring talents for lucrative opportunities on international runways in fashion capitals like Paris, Milan, and London. Successful careers in modelling can lead to earnings in the tens of thousands of dollars per season, representing a transformative financial opportunity for individuals in a nation where poverty is prevalent. This ambition in the face of adversity showcases the potential for creative industries as a means to change lives in South Sudan.

However, the journey to international success is riddled with obstacles, particularly the challenge of obtaining visas for travel to modeling events abroad. Many aspiring models face repeated refusals that thwart their ambitions and limit their access to global opportunities. These visa hurdles highlight a significant barrier in the talents' pursuit of dreams, emphasizing the need for improved pathways for South Sudanese creatives to reach international platforms and gain recognition on the world stage.