Heels strike cracked pavement in Juba as young men and women practise runway walks, hoping modelling careers will take them beyond South Sudan.
Despite years of conflict and poverty, the country has become an unlikely source of talent for the global fashion industry.
Many aspiring models hope to follow Awar Odhiang, who rose from an Ethiopian refugee camp to close a Chanel show at Paris Fashion Week last year.
Nine of the world’s top 50 models listed by Models.com are originally from South Sudan, highlighting the country’s growing influence in fashion.
Agency founder Doris Sukeji says international brands increasingly seek South Sudanese models for their distinctive features and darker skin tones.
Yet opportunities remain fragile, with several models missing major shows after visa applications were rejected despite confirmed work offers.
For many young people, modelling offers rare hope of financial stability in a country where about 92 percent of citizens live below the poverty line.
Training programmes in Juba aim to prepare aspiring models for international careers while encouraging families to support the industry.
Some, like refugee-raised model Bichar Hoah, hope success abroad will also help reshape global perceptions of South Sudan.
