THE SUPPORT FUND FOR BUSINESS CREATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE - FACEJ

Mali is facing a major youth employment crisis, exacerbated by rapid population growth, an inadequate education system, a predominantly informal economy and persistent political instability. Every year, around 300,000 young people enter an already saturated labour market, with no prospects of stable employment.
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Bamako, Mali
12.651706
-7.929870
Project duration
2019 - 2024
Financed by
  • Royal Embassy of Denmark

Faced with this critical situation, the Fonds d'Appui à la Création d'Entreprise par les Jeunes (FACEJ) has emerged as an appropriate solution. The fund offers tailor-made financing solutions, personalised support, networking opportunities and the promotion of innovation, helping young entrepreneurs to overcome financial obstacles and develop innovative, sustainable projects. By investing in youth entrepreneurship, Mali is paving the way for a more resilient and inclusive future, enabling every young person to realise their potential and actively contribute to the country's economic and social development. FACEJ is not just creating businesses, it is building Mali's future.

Some key figures

By 30 April 2024, FACEJ had supported 1,941 young entrepreneurs in their business creation or development projects, 38% of whom were headed by women. The total amount of bank loans granted was CHF 11,458,447, with an impressive repayment rate of 88%. These initiatives have created around 9,000 jobs, of which 6,430 have been formalised, demonstrating the significant impact of FACEJ on employment and the local economy.

Innovative approach

To achieve real results, FACEJ goes beyond the usual training and funding for micro-enterprises. We have an innovative and comprehensive support system that combines personalized strategies with dynamic networking. Our key initiatives include experienced facilitators who provide expert guidance, a training-action program that combines theory with practical application, and partnerships with commercial banks for financial access. We also offer dedicated access points for resources, attractive financial incentives to encourage growth, a multi-sectoral approach that includes diverse industry insights, and continuous support to ensure lasting success. Join us at FACEJ, where we turn potential into prosperity.

The project

  • Project duration: 02/2019 - 04/2024
  • Total budget: EUR 23m
  • Funding from: Royal Danish Embassy (ARD) and Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
  • Regions: The urban and peri-urban areas of Bamako, Koulikoro, Sikasso, Bougouni, Koutiala, Mopti, Kita and Timbuktu.
  • Aim: To support the development of micro-enterprises by offering training, financing guarantees and innovative support. The aim is to strengthen the skills of those involved and encourage exchanges and networking between young entrepreneurs and local players, with a view to stimulating entrepreneurship and contributing to local economic development.
  • Target groups: Young graduate women and men with business projects aged between 18 and 30. SMEs run by young women and men under 35.

 

 

The path of a young entrepreneur

Intervention strategy
The FACEJ project is structured around three main axes: a territorial approach involving local teams and banks, a partnership approach formalised by contracts, and a networking dynamic between young people and players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. By developing the skills of young people and facilitators, the project encourages collective empowerment and the creation of solid networks.
Achievements
FACEJ helped young graduates, especially women, access bank loans and receive high-quality support. Through four specialized branches, FACEJ supported business creation and expansion in various sectors, adapting its criteria to include a wide range of profiles and needs. The program enhanced service provision through its facilitators, improved banking accessibility for young entrepreneurs, and stimulated networks through innovative and inclusive initiatives.
FACEJ highlights
FACEJ has implemented a multi-faceted strategy to support young entrepreneurs. By adopting a demand-driven approach, it has offered personalized financial and operational support and established a culture of accountability through contractual partnerships. The program has invested in ongoing training and skills development, creating a collaborative network of entrepreneurs and facilitators. In the face of challenges, FACEJ has been responsive and adaptable, demonstrating its ability to evolve to meet the changing needs of entrepreneurs.

Our success stories

From hope to entrepreneurship: the journey of a young Malian entrepreneur

News

Mali
Entrepreneurial ecosystems, Sustainable agriculture
20.03.2024
Advancing Green Jobs and Skills for Malian Youth
In the face of escalating environmental challenges and climate change, transitioning to a sustainable economy has become imperative. Through the Support Fund for Youth Business Creation (FACEJ), Swisscontact has introduced Guichet 4, a new financing mechanism supporting green projects in Mali. This initiative aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly combating climate change (SDG 13) and promoting sustainable economic growth (SDG 8).
Mali
Entrepreneurial ecosystems
25.11.2022
Women’s entrepreneurship: an important driver of emancipation
Mali faces great challenges: the rapid increase of the working-age population, the large gender disparities that place women at a disadvantage, and the effects of the political and security crisis, to name but a few. Through the FACEJ project, Swisscontact is helping young women and men to establish and/or expand their companies.
Mali
Entrepreneurial ecosystems
08.03.2022
Women Entrepreneurship – an important vector of emancipation for women
One of FACEJ's major objectives is to accompany at least 40% of young women entrepreneurs in the creation or development of their business.