The Youth-to-Youth Fund (Y2Yf), part of the PROSPECTS Opportunity Fund, is a game-changer for Ethiopian youth navigating challenges like unemployment and displacement. The initiative, backed by the International Labour Organization and the Netherlands government, targets forcibly displaced persons and their host communities, fostering entrepreneurship as a pathway to decent employment. With Ethiopia’s youth comprising over 70% of the population, the Y2Yf focuses on addressing barriers like limited access to education, poor credit opportunities, and insufficient entrepreneurship training. By providing grants, capacity building, and technical support to
youth-led organizations, the fund envisions empowering 1,000 beneficiaries through innovative projects.
Key outcomes include capacity building, business creation, and advocacy for policy reforms. The Y2Yf also prioritizes inclusivity, with programs designed for women and youth with disabilities, ensuring no one is left behind. This initiative represents a significant stride toward achieving SDG 8 (Decent Work) and creating a resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem in Ethiopia.