FACT-CHECK: “Agriculture SMEs Grant Initiative 2025” circulating on Facebook is fake

A post circulating on Facebook claims that an “Agriculture Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs) Grant Initiative 2025” is open for applications, with a link to apply online, but this is false.

“The Agriculture Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs) Grant Initiative 2025 is now open for applications. Eligible Applicants: Individual farmers, input suppliers, agro-processors, exporters, and traders (domestic & international),” the Facebook post reads in part.

A Facebook page impersonating the ministry is circulating the false application link. Imposter or fraudulent social media accounts are a common scam tactic used by disinformers.

Debunking the Claim:

The initiative does not appear on the official ministry website or X (formerly Twitter), where genuine opportunities are normally posted.

The ministry told The ClarityDesk that the Facebook post is a scam and that they are working to address the impersonation. The official ministry’s Facebook page is South Sudan National Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security — MAFS.

“It’s a scam and we are working on it,” a ministry’s communications official told The ClarityDesk in a brief reply via WhatsApp.

The provided Google Form link is fraudulent and not connected to any real government program. The guidelines document attached with what appears to be the ministry’s stamp is fabricated.

Members of the public are advised not to click on the link or share personal details through it. Any legitimate grant or support initiative will be announced through the ministry’s verified channels.

Our Verdict:

The ClarityDesk has found the “SMEs Grant Initiative 2025” announcement to be false. The link provided is fraudulent and not associated with the ministry, according to a confirmation made directly to The ClarityDesk that the circulating Facebook post is a scam.

Have you spotted an error in this article and would like to request a correction, or have you come across a claim that we should investigate? Please send us an email via editor@claritydesk.org or click here to WhatsApp us via +211 928 606 958.