Youth Economic Opportunity

A group of volunteer students attend life skills training in Maputo.

Skills for Life: Developing a Curriculum to Help Young Mozambicans Thrive Post-Graduation

In Mozambique, many students graduate without the necessary soft skills to succeed in jobs or as entrepreneurs, leaving them with limited economic opportunities. TechnoServe’s WIN program worked with the Mozambican government to revise a life skills curriculum that will help young people — and women in particular — access jobs and start their own businesses.

Women's Economic Empowerment, Youth Economic Opportunity

Promoting Economic Opportunities for Youth Builds Pathways to Peace

Earlier this year, violent insurgents attacked the city of Palma in northern Cabo Delgado province, Mozambique. They killed dozens of people, forced thousands to flee, and sparked a humanitarian crisis that continues to this day. There is a perceived link between poverty — particularly among youth — and insecurity. TechnoServe is addressing this challenge by promoting economic opportunities for youth in the region.

Economic Development, Food Security, Youth Economic Opportunity
Woman stocking shelves in a grocery store

Equipping Young Entrepreneurs with Business Expertise in Africa

In East Africa, formal employment opportunities are often scarce, and entrepreneurship presents a path toward economic independence for many young women and men. TechnoServe is helping small shop owners in Kenya, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire become more profitable by connecting them with the knowledge, training, and tools they need to become successful retailers.

Entrepreneurship, Women's Economic Empowerment, Youth Economic Opportunity
Citi Foundation, Small and Growing Businesses
youth unemployment is a widespread challlenge in Tanzania. 24-year-old Asia Abdallah sits at her house in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Tackling Youth Unemployment Through Entrepreneurship and Skills Training

In Tanzania, young people like Asia Abdallah often face an uphill battle when entering the job market. With few formal sector jobs available, many turn to entrepreneurship. But without the practical skills to get started, entrepreneurship can present challenges. TechnoServe is equipping youth with the skills they need to gain formal employment or run their own successful businesses.

Entrepreneurship, Women's Economic Empowerment, Youth Economic Opportunity
A photo of a woman standing in a field of coffee wearing a mask in Peru. Text says

Hope and Resilience During COVID-19: Part 2

For over 50 years, TechnoServe has helped hardworking women and men in the developing world gain the skills, connections, and confidence to create self-sustaining businesses and build a path out of poverty. In part two of this series, we ask a few of these farmers and entrepreneurs to share how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their lives and how they are coping with its effects.

Agriculture, Cashews, Youth Economic Opportunity
COVID 19
youth-owned shops open new doors for young people like Emanuel Barosha Ndiwene organizes products in his small shop in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Strengthening Youth-Owned Shops in Tanzania Through Better Business Skills

In Tanzania, shopkeepers like Emanuel Barosha Ndiwene often lack the business and financial management skills they need to run profitable businesses. A TechnoServe program connects young entrepreneurs with the knowledge, training, and tools they need to become successful retailers.

Entrepreneurship, Youth Economic Opportunity
Entrepreneurship, Local Economic Development, Small and Growing Businesses, Youth Empowerment
Parents attend a session as part of the Campus to Corporates program.

Turning Parent Objections Into Support to Promote Youth Employment

In the Indian tradition and culture, it is common for parents to be highly involved in their children’s decision-making processes, particularly regarding career choices. However, parental involvement can also sometimes be a barrier to youth employment. TechnoServe is engaging both youth and their parents to ensure that young people can pursue formal sector jobs with their parents’ support.

COVID-19, Youth Economic Opportunity

Mozambican Youth Persevere to Test New Business Ideas

In Palma, a rural town in northern Mozambique, young people often struggle to earn a living outside of basic fishing and farming. Entrepreneurship offers a promising solution. After participating in the Catalisa Youth program and business plan competition, Folai Andeni and Fazira Nassoro each began testing their own business ideas and have already begun reaping the rewards.

Entrepreneurship, Youth Economic Opportunity
Local Economic Development, Small and Growing Businesses