Swisscontact-FOSTERING EMPLOYMENT AND GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES (FEGO)

Employment generation The FEGO project generated 120 employment opportunities. Of these new employees, 70% are women, 63% are youth, and 30 belong to non-majority communities. Enterprises are now prioritizing diverse hiring practices. Beneficiaries have secured stable jobs, improving their economic status. The intervention has made a significant difference in employment diversity and economic stability. Enterprise growth A total of 139 MSMEs in the apparel, furniture, and rural tourism sectors benefited, generating over €1.6 million in additional turnover. These enterprises have increased their reinvestment, boosting local economies. They can now access new markets and expand product offerings. The intervention has strengthened their market positions and economic resilience. Improved market linkages The project improved market linkages for MSMEs in the furniture and apparel sectors. Successful B2B sales missions resulted in over €1 million in exports. Enterprises are now more proactive in seeking international market opportunities. MSMEs can negotiate and secure international contracts, significantly enhancing their export capabilities. Enhanced business knowledge Entrepreneurs in the apparel sector, particularly women and youth from 49 MSMEs, received tailored coaching and mentoring. They have improved their business planning and market access strategies. Entrepreneurs can now implement effective business strategies and access new markets. The intervention has led to more strategic and sustainable business growth. Rural tourism development The project facilitated the development of new tourism products and improved gastronomy offerings by local communities and rural tourism MSMEs. There is now an enhanced focus on sustainable and locally sourced products. Communities can attract more tourists and generate additional income. The rural tourism sector has seen significant improvements in product offerings and visitor numbers. Key achievements 2024: Over 25 partnership interventions initiated, mobilizing private sector co-financing 22 MSMEs directly supported, over half women owned or led More than 90 fulltime jobs created, many tied to B2B upgrades and rural production Strengthened linkages for trade and market access, including export oriented pilots Rural tourism models launched in several areas, improving visibility and service quality. Gender and inclusion strategies adopted across the portfolio Aid for Trade has initiated relevant pilot activities, with room for deepening in 2025.

The overall objective of the proposed intervention is job creation and income generation in the furniture, apparel, and rural tourism sectors, to contribute to addressing high unemployment and poverty rates in the country, especially amongst youth and women. Its specific objective is to facilitate growth and performance improvement in the micro and small and start-up businesses in the apparel, furniture, and rural tourism sectors, and contribute to the emergence of more extensive opportunities for income generation and employment amongst presently poor and socio-economically excluded women, men and youth. Specific objective 2: Scaling up trade interventions: 1.Participating in and facilitating pivotal export fairs promotion, targeted buyers, and familiarization trips 2.An Export Fund mechanism for supporting exporting enterprises 3.Facilitating capacity-building programs for sector associations and MSMEs in the furniture and apparel sectors.