Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Youth in Action (YIA), in partnership with BPDO, has made significant progress in strengthening youth-led enterprises during the first quarter of 2026. The initiative, which targets conflict-affected and displaced youth, was implemented across seven key urban centers: Addis Ababa, Adama, Hawassa, Kombolcha, Bahirdar, Dire Dawa, and Mekele.<br>
The program combines psychosocial resilience training with entrepreneurship capacity building, equipping young entrepreneurs with both the mindset and skills needed to sustain and grow their businesses in challenging environments.
During the reporting period, YIA conducted on-site supervision visits for 105 youth-led enterprises, providing tailored mentorship and technical support. These engagements enabled the organization to assess business performance, identify operational challenges, and deliver practical solutions to improve enterprise sustainability.
In addition to direct support, the initiative has strengthened collaboration with government institutions. Youth enterprises have gained increased visibility and recognition from regional authorities, particularly the Bureaus of Labor and Skills (BOLS) and the Federal Ministry of Labor and Skills (MOLS). This growing institutional engagement is expected to enhance long-term sustainability and policy support for youth entrepreneurship.
YIA also convened a biannual multi-stakeholder review meeting, bringing together 14 regional BOLS deputy heads, federal representatives, and local non-governmental organizations. The platform facilitated experience sharing, reinforced government commitment, and promoted coordinated action across regions.
Key insights from the quarter highlight the importance of continuous mentorship in reinforcing training outcomes, the critical role of government support in sustaining enterprises, and the value of psychosocial resilience in enabling business continuity. The program also demonstrated that multi-stakeholder collaboration significantly enhances efficiency and impact.
Looking ahead, YIA plans to intensify its efforts in the coming quarter by focusing on enterprise consolidation, digital and financial services development, and strengthening market linkages. The organization will also continue to support youth enterprises in building resilience and achieving long-term independence.
Through its integrated approach, Youth in Action continues to play a pivotal role in advancing youth economic empowerment and fostering inclusive growth in Ethiopia.