The EUTF for Africa is implementing multiple programmes on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and skills development, to help vulnerable communities bridge the skills gap. These programmes target refugees, IDPs and host communities, and some are specifically tailored towards youth and women, with the aim of increasing their employability. Our programmes are also supporting MSMEs to integrate local and regional value chains and to access markets, encouraging an enabling environment and financial inclusion to boost self-employment for local businesses. Often, the EUTF choses a mutual beneficial approach - for both refugees and host communities - to reduce tensions through social and economic activities. Furthermore, EUTF programmes support the employability of beneficiaries through, for example, stipends and apprenticeships, job placements, cash for work activities, start-up kits and support to micro, medium and small enterprises. Overall, 73,400 jobs were created in the Sahel/Lake Chad and Horn of Africa regions, and over 367,400 people were assisted in developing income-generating activities for the benefit of refugees, IDPs and the local economy.
Data provided as available at December 2020.
After an exhausting day at sea, the artisanal fishers unload their booty in Nouakchott, landing on the beach in front of the Fish Market. The Promopêche programme strengthens the value chains of small-scale fisheries in Mauritania in order to create decent employment, improve working conditions and ensure food security for the most vulnerable populations, while guaranteeing the sustainability of fishery resources and the preservation of the environment.
©ILO
With over 1.4 million refugees, Uganda hosts the largest refugee community in Africa. Despite the challenges, it has one of the most progressive refugee protection policies in the world. Over 39,700 people were assisted to develop income-generating activities and, more than 16,000 were members of the refugee community. Furthermore, 6,500 jobs were created.
@Guillem Trius
With funds from the EUTF, UNDP collaborated with Tatweer Research to set up Taweer Entrepreneurship Campus (TEC), a co-working space where young Libyan entrepreneurs are getting training, mentoring, office space, and financial support. So far, the partnership has helped 168 technology-based local start-ups to develop their businesses, and 3,000 young people have gained skills on business administration and technologies.
@UNDP Libya / Malek Almoghrabi
The Ethical Fashion Initiative programme connects traditional craft men/women artisans in remote areas of Burkina Faso and Mali, with global international lifestyle and fashion brands. By introducing wider looms for weaving and improving dyeing techniques, it increased the quality of the fabrics sold. Stepping into the international value chain helps artisans and social business gain financial independence and empower themselves and their communities.
©ITC – Charlotte Kropholler
In Kalobeyei Settelment, close to 44,500 people were assisted to develop income-generating activities. The settlement was set up based on the principles of refugee self-reliance and projects target refugees and host-communities alike.
@WFP Kenya
“Fashion has been my passion since I was a little girl. The traditional Libyan dress is disappearing from our society, I want to capture the traditional and market it in a new fashion!”
The EU together with the German Government, supports Libyan municipalities in ensuring better service provision at local level and increasing access for entrepreneurship for most vulnerable groups, including women and internally displaced persons.
@GIZ Libya
Women harvest salt by hand near Nouadhibou, Mauritania. This is not only a crucial source of income for these women from precarious backgrounds, but they also contribute to the artisanal fisheries value chain, as salt is a key element in the artisanal processing of fish.
@ILO/Alfredo Cáliz
EUTF programmes in Eritrea promote inclusive green growth in agriculture and agri-business. They aim at enhancing food security and resilience of rural communities, with a special focus on youth and women. They are further complemented by action promoting regional economic integration and other focused on good governance and human rights.
@Anja Strelec
The EUTF supports Tunisia in the implementation of the national priorities on migration such mobilising Tunisians abroad for investment in the country.
@Expertise France, OFII
Mohamed Sow, 27 years old, is training as a topographer's assistant at the National School of Public Works, in Aleg, Mauritania. His goal is to find a stable job,marry his girlfriend and build a family. He is following the highly practical "work site school" methodology, adapted to young people from vulnerable backgrounds, often working under precarious conditions, with little or no schooling, which was introduced in Mauritania with EUTF funding.
©ILO/Alfredo Cáliz
Over 53,700 people in Sudan have been supported to develop income-generating activities; the majority of these are women.
@EU Sudan
The EUTF supports Tunisia in addressing the challenges of migration as well as reap the benefits of better migration governance. In particular, the EU supports the development of economic opportunities and promotion of investments through mobilization of the diaspora as part of the “Progres Migration” project.
@GIZ Tunisia