Promoting entrepreneurship and employment in Khartoum State

Project description

Title: Employment Initiative Khartoum (EIK): Prospects for the future of refugees and the local community / Employment Promotion in Khartoum State (EPiKS)
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Co-funded by: European Union (EU)
Country: Sudan
Lead executing agency: Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (Sudan)
Overall term: 2019 to 2024

Context

Sudan, one of the world’s least developed countries, is both a hub and a peace partner for German Development Cooperation. Likewise, the European Union promotes a stable, peaceful and prosperous Sudan. It provides targeted support for vulnerable groups and strengthens key areas of sustainable development.

The economy is in a fragile state due to political uncertainty, the economic impact of COVID-19, high inflation rates for food and commodity prices, rising unemployment and falling exports. Refugees from neighbouring countries and internally displaced people have little to no access to the labour market.

In addition, many people lack the necessary qualifications to succeed in the labour market. Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) rarely offer new jobs, and larger companies are unable to fill vacancies due to a lack of skilled workers. The private sector needs to grow to offer jobs.

Objective

Employment conditions for refugees and the local population in Khartoum have improved.

Approach

The project enables the private sector, training institutions and entrepreneurs to drive the conditions for job creation and innovation. The project takes a multi-stakeholder approach and designs activities  to reach various groups in equal measure.

It promotes cooperation on vocational training between public institutions and the private sector, encourages market-oriented education and develops a skilled labour force for the market. The programme works with Khartoum’s vocational training centres.

The project works to create opportunities for entrepreneurs, to build business ideas, launch them and receive grants, financing and investments. Furthermore, small businesses can qualify to receive inclusive training, mentoring and coaching through a pool of trainers.

The programme works to match employers with job seekers.

By using positive developments in personal freedoms for women, Germany and the European Union are working to encourage gender equality in Khartoum’s labour market.

The project focuses on the inclusion of marginalised groups and the promotion of social cohesion.

The project emphasises providing important information to the target groups. This incldes relevant legislation, access to job opportunities and investment for entreprneurial ideas. To achieve this, the initiative is hosting related events and is building a digital platform.

Last update: October 2021