Purpose: The study examined the influence of strategic planning on SME resilience and economic recovery in post-conflict South Sudan, with emphasis on how structured planning supports firm survival and national economic stabilization after conflict.

Methodology/Design: A quantitative cross-sectional design was adopted. Data were collected from 440 SME owners and managers using structured questionnaires, with the sample size determined through the Krejcie and Morgan approach. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in AMOS was employed to assess both direct and mediating relationships among strategic planning, SME resilience, and economic recovery.

Findings: The results indicated that strategic planning had a strong positive effect on SME resilience (β = 0.63, t = 8.12, p < 0.001). Strategic planning also showed a significant positive influence on economic recovery (β = 0.45, t = 5.37, p < 0.001). SME resilience significantly contributed to economic recovery (β = 0.52, t = 6.25, p < 0.001). Further analysis confirmed a partial mediation effect, where SME resilience mediated the relationship between strategic planning and economic recovery (indirect β = 0.33, t = 4.91, p < 0.001).

Implications: The findings suggest that strengthening strategic planning capabilities among SMEs can enhance resilience and speed up economic recovery in post-conflict settings. Policymakers and development partners should integrate planning and resilience-building programs into SME support initiatives.

Originality/Value: The study provides rare empirical evidence from South Sudan and extends strategic planning and resilience literature within post-conflict economies.