Burkina Faso

Opportunities for the vast majority of young people are limited. An underdeveloped private sector offers few options, the portfolio of work activities influenced by the seasonal agricultural calendar and migration. Agriculture dominates the economy, but training in the agro-sylvo-pastoral field is under-resourced, and despite its potential, the majority of young people do not perceive agriculture as a rewarding option.

Swisscontact is developing market-friendly and contextual vocational training that meets local developmental needs and ensures participation and inclusion of local stakeholders. 

Swisscontact contributes to the improvement of the living conditions of rural youth, by the establishment of training-systems and the integration of trained youths into the labour market.

Therefore we support young people to achieve their potential through technical and soft-skills training, improved access to career coaching, business development support and financial services. We focus on agricultural, technical and soft skills development, including support via existing government platforms. Additional activities include the promotion of value chains to take advantage of business opportunities to increase incomes and create jobs. Additionally, we facilitate access to Financial Services.