Youth Economic Empowerment
Building Resilient Futures
Bringing youth into sustainable employment is a central priority, particularly in countries with high youth unemployment across the East and Horn of Africa region. Globally, roughly one third of young people are unemployed, seeking work, or discouraged and inactive. Youth unemployment is typically twice as high as adult unemployment, with young women facing even greater barriers. In addition, young people are often more vulnerable during economic crises due to limited work experience, and they are more likely to lose employment compared to adults.
Empowering Marginalized Youth
Pathways to Employment and Entrepreneurship
The HoAYN Economic Empowerment Programme seeks to create resilient livelihoods for marginalized and disadvantaged youth by enhancing employability and entrepreneurship skills. The programme targets young people aged 15–35 who are out of school, unemployed, or underemployed. Special attention is given to youth with disabilities, migrant youth, young girls, young heads of households, and youth from informal settlements or pastoralist communities, ensuring that the most vulnerable have access to meaningful opportunities.
Safe and Inclusive Cities (SAIC) Project
The Safe and Inclusive Cities (SAIC) Project, funded by the Danish International Development Agency (Danida) and implemented by Plan International in partnership with national and local actors, aims to create safer, more inclusive urban environments for women, girls, marginalized groups, and other vulnerable populations. The project addresses the root causes of urban violence and exclusion, including poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and discriminatory social norms.
SAIC employs a multi-sectoral approach that includes community mobilization, gender equality and social inclusion initiatives, capacity-building for local authorities, infrastructure improvements, and advocacy for policy and legal reforms. By strengthening governance and community participation, the project fosters equitable urban development, enabling all residents to live safely, contribute meaningfully, and access opportunities in their cities.
Community-Based Initiatives
Slums Going Green and Clean – Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya
This movement empowers communities to transform their urban environment by promoting sustainable development, environmental protection, and waste management. Residents are trained in recycling, tree planting, gardening, and energy conservation, and they participate in regular clean-up campaigns. Key achievements include the establishment of community-led waste management systems that reduce landfill waste, create jobs, and improve public health, alongside the development of green spaces that enhance air quality and community well-being.
Downtown Youth Group – Mathare, Nairobi, Kenya
The Downtown Youth Group provides young people in Mathare with a platform to transform their community through social and economic initiatives. The group runs programs in vocational training, microfinance, and small business development, including baking enterprises that generate income for youth and support local families. They also focus on improving water, sanitation, and hygiene through constructing water points, public toilets, and training programs.
Through partnerships with organizations such as Plan International Kenya, Horn of Africa Youth Network, Mathare Community Outreach, TakaTaka Solutions, and ONE CHUOM, the Downtown Youth Group implements projects in renewable energy, waste management, and environmental sustainability, creating a cleaner, safer, and more economically empowered community for young people.
Support Our Cause
The future of the Horn of Africa depends on the energy, creativity, and leadership of its youth. But young people cannot realize their potential alone, they need opportunities, skills, and support to thrive.
Join us in creating pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods for marginalized and disadvantaged youth. Whether you are a policymaker, partner organization, donor, or community member, your engagement can make a real difference.