More than 28% of the estimated 104 million inhabitants of Ethiopia are between 15 and 29 years of age and yearly, there are over 2 million new entrants into the workforce (often with little to no skills). Yet, it is estimated that almost 25% of these young people are unemployed (USAID, 2017). The problem is particularly serious for young women. A study conducted by Plan (Smart-Up, 2018) showed that young Ethiopian women are more than twice as likely to be unemployed as young men. Now, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting economic slow-down, the situation is even more worrisome for young people.
The project aims increase the economic opportunities for youths, and in particular women, in Ethiopia. Targeting two economic growth sectors (textile and water), the project features an innovative collaboration between i) the private sector (Grundfos and 22 textile companies in Hawassa Industrial Park), ii) two Technical and Vocational Education and Trainings (TVETs) located in Hawassa and Gambella, iii) Ethiopia Water Technology Institute and iv) Plan.
Together, the partners will update existing curricula to ensure the implementation of demand-responsive vocational training for young people, while an enhanced and embedded job center function at the TVET institutions will be responsible for ensuring that the acquired skills are translated into sustainable employment/self-employment and hence into the growth of the chosen sectors.
Outcomes:
The project is expected to ensure that approximately 1,600 youths (60% women) from disadvantaged communities acquire necessary and market-responsive skills and that approximately 80% of these take up employment or start their own business within the water and textile sectors, directly improving the livelihoods of an estimated 8,000 family members.
