1. Y outh
entrepreneurship
& empowerment
U N I T E D N AT I O N S H U M A N S E T T L E M E N T S P R O G R A M M E

2. Contents
Foreword .......................................................................................................................... 3
Section 1 .......................................................................................................................... 5
UN-HABITAT’s Philosophy ............................................................................................... 5
Section 2 .......................................................................................................................... 7
UN-HABITAT’s Strategies .................................................................................................. 7
Section 3 .......................................................................................................................... 8
What is Youth Entrepreneurship? ........................................................................................ 8
Section 4 ........................................................................................................................ 18
UN-HABITAT’s Targeted Measures in Youth Employment and Urban Renewal ............... 18
Section 5 ........................................................................................................................ 20
Resources .......................................................................................................................... 20
Supporting Youth Entrepreneurship .................................................................................. 20
Presenters List ................................................................................................................... 23

3. Foreword
At the Millennium Summit in September 2000, world
leaders agreed on a set of eight objectives called the
Millennium Development Goals. Goal 8, Target 16,
stipulates that governments “develop and implement
strategies for decent and productive work for youth in
developing countries”. UN-HABITAT believes that
fostering entrepreneurship is a good way of meeting this
target, as well as those related to sustainable develop-
ment and employment. However, entrepreneurship is
a useful way to promote self-employment among the
young only if they get help with access to infrastructure,
seed money, advice and other services that can be used
set up micro enterprises.
Between now and 2010, 700 million young people aged
15-24 will enter the labour market in developing coun-
tries. According to the International Labour Organisa-
tion, more than 1 billion new jobs must be created to
reduce unemployment. Without a concerted effort, a
new generation will grow up feeling it has no stake in
society. Conversely, we in the UN system passionately
believe that by harnessing the potential of the young,
the world can benefit enormously from a new wave of
participation and intellectual creativity and help achieve
the goals by the 2015 target date.
Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka,
Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations,
Executive Director,
UN-HABITAT

4. Section 1
UN-HABITAT philosophy
The year 2007 has gone down in history ing countries, possess immense potential to
as the year, when for the first time half of contribute to social development if afforded
humanity was living in towns and cities. In the right opportunities. These young people
just a generation to come, this figure will are the promise of the future, and failure to
rise to two-thirds of all human beings as the invest in the young generation will impose
world witnesses the fastest rate of urbanisa- great constraints on the potential for future
tion yet recorded. Coincidentally, 2007 was development, and pose great dangers.
also the year in which the global number
of slum dwellers reached 1 billion. How UN-HABITAT recognizes that youth em-
will we cope with urban centres growing in ployment is vital for better living standards
size and growing in poverty? How will we and a sense of self worth. Sustained unem-
cope with what has come to be called in ployment can make the young vulnerable
United Nations parlance, the urbanisation to social exclusion and turn to crime. Those
of poverty? Sub-Sahara Africa has the world’s who enter the workforce with limited job
fastest growing cities and slums. Its slum prospects, underdeveloped skills and inad-
population today tops 200 million. It is a equate education are most at risk for long-
continent where over 70 percent of urban term unemployment, intermittent spells of
Africans live in slums. So how will Africa’s unemployment, and low-wage employment
youth develop as leaders when faced with throughout their working lives.
the highest rates of unemployment and the
highest levels of social exclusion?
The rationale for UN-HABITAT’s intensi-
fied focus on youth is the fact that a high
proportion of the developing world’s popu-
lation is young, and this segment of society
is inordinately affected by the problems of
unsustainable development. At the same
time, the target group of UN-HABITAT’s
strategy, urban 15-24 year-olds in develop-

5. Young participants at the YED. Photo © UN-HABITAT

6. Section 2
UN-HABITAT strategies
Young people require the best information The Global Partnerships Initiative has been
resources they can get when it comes to em- launched in Nairobi, Kampala, Kigali and
ployment, health, crime prevention, govern- Dar es Salaam. In February, 2007, a regional
ance, gender equality, empowerment, rights planning meeting in Kampala, Uganda,
and responsibilities. UN-HABITAT’s Glo- produced various recommendations for the
bal Partnership Initiative for Urban Youth future of the programme and identified the
Development is one of these resources. It main principles of youth led development.
regards young people as a major force for
a better world. Thus, their empowerment
Five Principles of Youth Led
through effective and meaningful partici-
Development Developed by GPI
pation in decision-making is crucial. The
Partner Cities
Global Partnership Initiative is based on
innovative partnerships from neighbour- n Youth should define their own develop-
hood level all the way through to the private ment goals and objectives.
sector, schools and universities, the national n Youth should be given a social and
and international levels. physical space to participate in develop-
ment and to be regularly consulted.
In partnership with cities and their young n Adult mentorship and peer-to-peer
residents across East Africa, UN-HABITAT mentorship should be encouraged.
is trying out a programme to help young n Youth should be role models in or-
people, especially those living in poverty, to der to help other youth to engage in
get the information and skills they need for development.
the job market. And it is with this in mind n Youth should be integrated into all lo-
that One Stop Youth Centres have been set cal and national development pro-
up in four cities complete with computers grammes and frameworks.
provided by organizations such as Compu-
ter Aid. These centres bring the world of the
cyber café to those least able to afford it, and
offer training. Plans are being made to set
up more such centres.

7. Section 3
What is youth entrepreneurship?
Youth entrepreneurship is a source of job
creation, empowerment and economic
dynamism in a rapidly globalizing world1.
Effective youth entrepreneurship education
prepares young people to be responsible,
enterprising individuals who become en-
trepreneurs or entrepreneurial thinkers and
contribute to economic development and
sustainable communities. UN-HABITAT’s
Young Entrepreneurs Day in Nairobi, April
2007, welcomed young entrepreneurs and
a broad range of partners to deliberate on a
concept of entrepreneurship that stimulates
both personal initiative, as well as initiatives
in a broad variety of organizations including
the private sector and beyond.
Following is a summary of stories of many
of the young entrepreneurs who participated
in the event.
Criteria for youth entrepreneurship education,
Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education Participants at the YED © UN-HABITAT
http://www.entre-ed.org/entre/criteria.htm

8. Knowing what government schemes Reaching out to your community for
are available to you and how to access help - from soft loans to experienced
them. advice.
Emilie Shuuya - Namibia - “Planting, Poul- Chifundo Mikaya - Malawi - “Awoneji
try and Weaving” Samosas”
With approximately 70% of the Malawian
“ Although born in a poor family, I always population below the age of 30, it is not sur-
had big dreams. prising that the absence of economic growth
”
Emilie Shuuya, 23, grew up in the Omu-
and job creation strategies for youth poses a
major challenge to the development of the
sati Region of northern Namibia and knew
country, let alone its youth. Chifundo’s own
from an early age that her family would
experience motivated her to appeal to the
not be able to afford to send her to college.
Commonwealth Youth Credit Initiative -
Motivated by her dream of being self-suf-
through the Malawi Rural Finance Company
ficient and educating herself, she decided
- to start her samosa business. She was grant-
to start up a business from home, from hair
ed a 107USD loan and through a series of
braiding to weaving to selling marula nuts.
training session, was able to learn credit man-
The Namibia Youth Credit Scheme soon
agement skills, basic rules of economics, and
offered Emilie a place in a business-training
the intricacies of group dynamics in business.
programme where she learned management,
Two years into her business, 23 year-old Chi-
market research, stocktaking skills, and
fundo is able to pay for school fees for both
how to prepare budgets and business plans.
herself and her siblings, and has opened up a
The programme also provided her with a
bank account. Some of her strategies were to
70USD loan, with which she invested in her
offer promotional prices, charge interest to
business and was able to pay back within six
late debt payers, collaborate in joint ventures,
months. Since last year, Emilie’s business has
and minimize drawings from her business
expanded along with her objectives; she is
funds before knowing her profit levels. In
now interested in creating employment and
her advice to others, Chifundo says, “When
income, and promoting Namibian art in the
there is something important happening, we
name of alleviating poverty. To date, Emilie
always try to get feedback from our commu-
has been able to supply crafts for local and
nity; the elders come and visit us and discuss
national markets, has created two jobs for
our problems with us.”
other youth, and has contributed to her
own family’s income. In some lasting and
important words, Emilie is confident in ex-
claiming, “I make sure to pay myself a salary
every month!”

9. Adelina Ampilla - Tanzania - “Kiroyera Albert Nashon Odhoji - Kenya
Tours” - “Slumcode”
“ When starting a new business a strong “ You have to try to link community, govern-
effort needs to be made in marketing, link- ment and support agencies to further your
ing and networking with various local goals, and you’ve got to strive to see a long-
stakeholders and community members. This term employment vision instead of getting
way, the community will be more likely to distracted by insubstantial, short-term
eventually accept the new service. returns.
”
The high poverty rate of Kagera region in
”
Having grown up in heart of Starehe slum
Tanzania prompted Adelina to consider in the outskirts of Nairobi, Albert and his
tourism as a way to alleviate some of the peers saw how economic hardships caused
problems her community was facing. She most youth to rally behind initiatives that
carried out research within her community delivered quick returns, and to avoid po-
and approached local leaders, appealing tentially risky long-term projects. Albert,
for their support. She also networked with however, wanted to use his personal poten-
service providers such as hoteliers, bankers, tial through positive means, for the benefit
transporters and other existing tour opera- of his community. This empowerment, ex-
tors. Challenges faced from the outset, how- plains Albert, “Leads to youthful participa-
ever were; low levels of literacy within the tion in effective leadership, governance and
community, little knowledge about tourist decision-making.” Today, Slumcode sup-
source markets, and poorly developed infra- ports and supplements government initia-
structure in the Kagera region as a whole. tives through resource mobilization and fa-
Adelina and her partners attempted to solve cilitation of community development agen-
the problems through public tourism aware- das. Resources have been collected directly
ness campaigns and vigorous marketing from Slumcode members themselves, as the
strategies at national and international tour- group has never relied on donor agencies.
ism fairs. The results have been outstanding. Even with fleeting amounts which come and
Tourism rates have increased every year, and go, however, the group has been able to sup-
the programme remains in the hands of lo- port income-generating initiatives carried
cal people for their own profit. Adelina be- out by garbage collection groups, environ-
lieves that, “The local community is a very mental conservation campaigners, HIV/
important asset in developing tourism. One AIDS support groups and performing and
has to keep close links and continually listen visual artists. As Albert explains, “We never
to their ideas.” wanted to start an organization based on
the availability of funds, but instead, build
a personal profile which can later be used to
solicit funding. This ensures an organization
10

10. is made up of a strong and dedicated start- communities spread across the Korogocho
up team.” territory. Out of this group, an executive
body of 10 people holds the office for 3
Ogola Oluoch Japheth - Kenya - “People years. There are also working groups called
United for a New Korogocho” the Huduma, comprised of another set of
representative members, who render specific
“ Rich is he who has a dream, even without charitable services to the whole community.
coins in his pocket. At the moment, “People United for a New
”
Japheth is proud to exclaim that his project,
Korogocho” has 20 projects targeting street
children, women, and schools in the slum.
“People United for a New Korogocho”, is a To name a few: the Boma Rescue Centre is a
winner of the Milgap Award, a UN-HABI- day centre for the recovery and re-education
TAT award programme for local projects of street children who work in the rub-
that have contributed to leadership within bish dump; the Korogocho Street Children
communities. He emphasizes, however, that Programme is a street work and commu-
all the youth are partners in the process of nity centre for 40 children who sniff glue;
winning. St. John’s Sports Society uses ten different
“In the past,” says Japheth, “Korogocho games to help young talents to emerge and
slum was known as a place of criminals, to prevent crime, drugs and alcohol abuse;
and at the bad end of a lot of media stories. Bega Kwa Bega is a women’s cooperative
Now it is full of good stories.” This change that produces wonderful ethnic artisanship;
is in due thanks to a lot of hard work by and finally, Mukuru Recycling Centre is
Japheth and his fellow youth, as well as the a co-operative that sees 40 young people
dedicated sponsorship of St. John’s Catholic recycling materials from the rubbish dump
Church. Japheth explains that the project daily. “We believe that the future of our
believes in a reintegration strategy, which community is in the hands of women and
targets those young people who are looking youths. Therefore they are the main focus of
to get back to the ordinary market economy. our projects.” Japheth further explains that
The project is housed in Korogocho itself, the Sustainability of their programme lays
run by volunteers, made up of both youth in the fact that the ideas for projects come
from the community and members of St. from the community itself, thereby instill-
John’s church. No one is making a salary ing a sense of ownership amongst the resi-
yet, but as increased efforts are put into the dents, ensuring the long-term success of the
different income generation programmes, projects, and their ability to be replicated.
there is a likely potential for youth to profit. “People United for a New Korogocho” are
founders and promoters of a network of
“People United for a New Korogocho” slum communities where ideas and chal-
is lead by a Baraza, a body consisting of lenges are shared to help others with similar
elected representatives from 26 smaller projects in their own environments.
11

11. Approaching financial institutions Spotting a niche market for a product
for a start-up loan, using targeted where there is an absence of a locally
marketing devices and building a made alternative.
solid working team.
Juliet Nakibuule - Uganda - “MakaPads”
Ndanga Levy Michel Shirishize - Burundi
Just a few years ago, little did Juliet know
- “InfoMarket”
that she would play a large role in the pro-
duction and distribution of the first African-
“ My experience in business is that it is not made sanitary pad. Indeed, upon graduating
an easy thing. You have to be careful and from university, Juliet had joined the ranks
work hard or otherwise you can lose every- of many youth who could not find a job. Af-
thing. ter applying for training with the innovator
”
While working at a brewery in internet
of the *MakaPads technology Dr. Musaazi
Moses, however, Juliet was intrigued so
technology support, Shirishize looked for a
much that she offered to train other girls
way he could use his skills to employ him-
on how to seal the pads, soon realizing that
self, as well as help other young people de-
there existed a large business potential in
velop their own computer skills. With a loan
the their production. As she explains, “All
from the Banque de Gestion et de Finance-
processes are decentralized so that process-
ment, he was able to start a cyber café with-
ing the papyrus and waste paper, making the
in his community in 2004. Profiting from
absorbent, softening and sizing the paper,
this venture alone, however, was not enough
sterilizing, and packing the pads all allow for
for Shirishize - he wanted to contribute to
different people to be gainfully employed.”
the much-needed capacity building of his
Juliet now supplies pads to NGOs, as well
fellow Burundian peers. Thus, Shirishize
as United Nations High Commission for
committed himself to his vision, and now
Refugees, and the Government of Uganda
three years on, he owns two cyber cafes with
has also recently ordered thirty thousand
13 computers each, as well as one training
pads, to be distributed in school across the
room where he instructs fellow youth in
country. Juliet is now 26 years old and has
internet technology. Shirishize believes he
17 employees working for her; the first three
has such a strong customer base because of
who were previously unemployed, are now
his low fees, regular radio advertisements,
making 600USD a month. Meanwhile, the
and his pure hard work -often putting in
actual papyrus plants stay intact, the com-
more than 12 hours a day. “My workplace
munity is engaged in production without
environment is encouraging and upbeat.
the use of any chemicals, the pads are avail-
Every Monday we have a meeting with all
able at 27US cents for a packet of ten, and
the employees to assess how the work went
the girl-child stays in school no matter what
the last week.”
the time of month.
*MakaPads was shortlisted for the BBC’s World
Challenge Awards - 2007
1

12. Finding a way to inspire and September 2000, to find likeminded peo-
empower others in a way you have ple, mobilize resources, and establish the
been motivated yourself. Become a NGO, “Echoes”. The objective of “Echoes”
mentor who promotes other youth is to train and empower female students so
entrepreneurs! that they build their self-confidence and
are enabled to take active leadership roles
Olafyinfoluwa Oluwatosin Taiwo - Nigeria
in the development of their communities.
- “Echoes”
“Echoes” also trains female students to
acquire vocational skills like hairdressing,
“ I have had the rare privilege of translating dressmaking, bead production, shoe and
my vision into reality.
”
As a student at the University of Ibadan,
bag production from local hides and skin,
interior decoration, pottery, and portrait
production. Female students are also taught
Taiwo saw how the institution was becom-
business and management strategies, com-
ing infamous for the growing increase of
munication skills and information technol-
prostitution, as well as the levels of dis-
ogy. “Echoes” has contributed immensely to
crimination and molestation against female
youth employment as female students are
students. After she discovered there was
now gainfully employed, and there has been
not a single female-focused organization
a sharp decline in female prostitution rates
in the university, nor a forum for exchang-
around campus.
ing information, Taiwo was motivated in
1

13. Researching what youth can directly since trained 120 youth at the ‘Blacksmith
produce for their communities, using Training Center’ in technologies that will
a peer-to-peer skill that ensures enable the youth to establish their own
transferability. blacksmith ventures in their respective com-
munities. “Youth from the street can use
Reuben Mtitu - Tanzania - “Kisangani
the technologies they’ve learned to sustain
Smith Group”
themselves, thus reducing the rate of crime
Ten years ago, Reuben conducted research that would otherwise be brought about by
into possible simple agricultural tools which these idle people in our society.” As a young
could be used by smallholder farmers in entrepreneur, Reuben has noted that if one
Tanzania. The product of this investigation wants to succeed in business, he or she has
is the now widely known and hugely suc- to observe certain factors such as undertak-
cessful “Kisangani Smith Group”. Reuben, ing persistent market research, producing
29, explains that his group started simply as quality products at all times, and advertising
a vendor, and activities were being done in the business through the media. Reuben
an open space because they could not meet feels the fruits of his efforts has have been
the cost of owning a workshop. When they realized as he now collects a fixed salary of
achieved financial sustainability and formal 95USD every month, and at the same time,
registration in 2000, they were finally able sees his peers opening their own businesses
to buy a plot of land where their workshop in their rural homes.
is now based. Reuben and his partners have
1
Photo © UN-HABITAT

14. Localizing action - initiating and Identifying what your city or
lobbying for support of a regional government is not providing for your
youth programming network based neighbourhood, and approaching
on others existing internationally. the authorities to find a way to fill the
gap.
Patrick Dueme Safi - Democratic Republic
of Congo - “AEO for Youth - Green TV” Claire Tembo - Zambia - “Helen Kaun-
da Community Enterprise Garbage
“After the creation of UNEP’s (United Na-
Collection”
tions Environment Programme’s) - African
Environment Outlook in Uganda in 2002,”
explains Patrick, “African experts realized “ There were so many youth doing absolutely
they needed to associate with youth.” This nothing in the neighbourhood.
was the genesis for what is now “AEO for ”
Just over a year ago, Claire realized that due
Youth”, created under the auspice of the
to an obvious lack of capacity in the Lusaka
UNEP, and for the benefit of hundreds of
City Council to collect garbage in the city,
enthusiastic youth like Patrick. Recognizing
she was going to have to beautify her neigh-
both a local gap and opportunity, Patrick
bourhood herself. Within a few months, she
was part of an initial team that helped in
had established a Community Based Enter-
creating networks of this programme at the
prise, which would eventually be incorpo-
local levels in the Democratic Republic of
rated in 2006, and initiated a partnership
Congo. Realizing it was, indeed, a job crea-
with the Lusaka City Council by way of a
tion opportunity, over 2500 youth from all
1000USD loan. This money went primarily
over the country signed up. It was precisely
to the procurement of tools and renting
this overwhelming response that encour-
a shop at the market. As for human re-
aged Patrick and his peers to come up with
sources, all Claire had to do was look at the
different environmental projects and initia-
idle youth around her community and she
tives for these youth. This prompted visits
quickly had a committed and enthusiastic
to several TV channels in the Democratic
crew. Her team’s objective was to provide an
Republic of Congo in hopes of creating
effective and efficient solid waste collection
opportunities and experiences for youth
service for the residents of Helen Kaunda
interested in reporting on the environment.
locality, and to collect revenue from every
Green TV was born. Four years on, this
household being serviced. At present, the
environmental education reality programme
Helen Kaunda Community Garbage Collec-
regularly instills its young reporters with
tion team has managed to bring 420 clients
practical production and reporting skills and
on board and has created employment for
prepares them for the job market. Along the
about 8 youth, with a strong likelihood for
way, it has become the Democratic Republic
growth. Claire explains that with the high
of Congo’s most popular youth programme
levels of unemployment in Zambia, youths
on the air.
are ready to do anything to make ends meet.
1

15. Although only able to provide themselves
with about 20USD a month, members of
the Helen Kaunda Community Enterprise
Garbage Collection team are now able to
support their siblings and sponsor them-
selves in tertiary education.
Ogunbanke Aduragbemi - Nigeria - “Les
Mediques Francais”
“ We await the dawn of the day when Les
Mediques Francais will be a world re-
nowned non-profit organization that has
effectively used language to heal the sick.
Prior to his initiation of the Les Mediques
”
Francais project, Ogunbanke realized that
few students had an international outlook
on health delivery. Indeed, most had very
little exposure to foreign cultures, and were
poorly prepared to function in a linguisti-
cally diverse setting. In order to get around
this, Ogunbanke realized the need for
expanding the geographical functionality Photo © Les Mediques Francais
of future doctors and making it possible
for doctors to reach out to communities
beyond their own locality. Ogunbanke, in private and commercial patrons. Ogun-
essence, embarked on an initiative of break- banke explains that Les Mediques Francais
ing language barriers in the name of health. has opened a bank account to ensure proper
Les Mediques Francais has now been able monitoring of fund transfers, and has en-
to spread their vision and have trained 12 gaged in aggressive marketing/campaigning
value-added bilingual doctors, established attempts in the media and on the internet.
several French language schools in various Ogunbanke believes perseverance, innova-
colleges of medicine, expanded the health- tion and a division of labour will keep Les
reach of medical practitioners, and organ- Mediques Francais moving forward in leaps
ized voluntary community oriented initia- and bounds. “A benchmark of our success is
tives to promote preventive health care prac- all the lives that have been touched by our
tices. Financial resources come from dues project.”
regularly paid each month by Les Mediques
Francais members, as well as grants from
1

16. Discovering ways to increase the Abenet Abite and Milkias Bonke - “Ethio-
power of your degree and your pia Kindergarten Project” and “Tebeb Tra-
entrepreneurial spirit through a ditional Cloth Producers and Distributors”
school-to-work strategy, allowing for
practical work experience before you
graduate!
“ Even as a student, you can come to a better
understanding of the current market and
Jean-Blaise Adjeklakara Mossus - Senegal the challenges faced by fellow stakeholders,
- “Veterinary School of Dakar: Junior thereby increasing the likelihood of your
Undertaken” own success in the field.
Jean-Blaise’s colleagues and friends at the
”
Abenet and Milkias explain that the educa-
Dakar Veterinary School decided to form a tion level in Meketeya, Ethiopia, is suffer-
company of young veterinary surgeons, creat- ing due to the lack of qualified education
ing a framework for practical work experience centres. Thus, they decided they wanted
that would allow recent graduates to more to contribute to providing education and
easily enter into the professional world. “It improving their society’s capacity. They
is difficult,” explains Jean-Blaise, “to suc- asked themselves questions like, “Why are
ceed in Africa where nothing is done to help young children not attending school?”, and
young graduates”. Therefore, under his own in search of answers, collected information
initiative, Jean-Blaise accumulated as much about the current situation through face-
experience as he could in health and livestock to-face interviews with members of their
production, the designing and installation community. They realized that by open-
of livestock buildings, and the setting up of ing a good kindergarten with fair fees, the
quality control levels in the food industry. He community would benefit. Moreover, even
established Junior Undertaken to reinforce though they were students themselves, they
the capacities and competences of his peers saw how they could change both their lives
in these fields and to encourage the spread and the lives of those around them. Abenet
of entrepreneurial spirit. From their school, and Milkias also established the “Tebeb Tra-
the group received a start-up budget of about ditional Cloth Producers and Distributors”
9400USD, used for the installation and company, with the objectives of advertising
launch of the project’s structure. In terms of and promoting their products, to open a
its operations, sources of finances are through series of good standardized shops, and to
services rendered, bank loans, and gifts. Since sell online through the internet. By the time
2000, his team has carried out research in they graduate, they emphasize, they will
the field of health and livestock production have had solid work experience with which
in over 14 countries in Africa. Jean-Blaise be- to use as professionals entering the work-
lieves it becomes necessary to have a creative force.
spirit and entrepreneurial instinct in order to
solve the problems of unemployment amongst
Africa’s youth.
1

17. Section 4
UN-HABITAT
Targeted measures in youth Public Sector
employment and urban renewal
One role is as a direct employer, by hiring
Policy instruments that are available at the youth in public administration or for public
macro level to fight economic downturns works projects. A growing area of concern
and avoid higher unemployment (e.g. mon- is that the construction and maintenance of
etary, fiscal, trade and exchange rate poli- infrastructure in some countries has been
cies), are not normally in the purview of lo- taken over by multinational public works
cal governments, nor are they differentiated enterprises which use more capital intensive
enough to address the problems of specific rather than labour-intensive methods. The
slums or municipal areas. This is not to say public sector can also provide vital social
that macro-economic policy has no effect on services, which are instrumental in creating
urban renewal and youth employment, since employment and fostering social integration
general improvements in the economy and and intergenerational solidarity. In develop-
reductions in unemployment should result ing countries, it is interesting to note that in
in some improvement in the livelihoods of many poor urban areas, civil society groups
the urban poor as well as young people. have been mobilized to provide social serv-
ices in the absence of government provision,
The disproportionate disadvantages of and there is a high level of youth participa-
urban youth, however, calls for more tar- tion in these volunteer activities.
geted measures. Opportunities for new or
strengthened initiatives targeting urban Globalization and World Market
youth specifically can be envisioned in the Expansion
following areas2:
Globalization and world market expansion
provide space for labour intensive industrial
growth, which can particularly benefit ur-
ban areas in general and unemployed youth
in particular.
2
Youth Employment and Urban Renewal,
UN-HABITAT Discussion paper, draft 2,4 October
2004.
1

18. Inter-Sectoral Partnerships Opportunities Fund for Urban Youth-led
Development
The public sector can engage the private sec-
tor in promoting youth employment through The 21st Governing Council of UN-HABI-
policies that grant private sector employers TAT in April 2007, agreed to establish this
various incentives for hiring youth. These fund by which to support youth-led initia-
incentives can take the form of tax rebates, tives in pursuance of the HABITAT agenda
wage subsidies or loosening of employment within the following areas:
regulations. There are also good opportuni-
ties for the public sector, especially local gov- n Mobilization of young people to
ernments, to engage with civil society organi- help strengthen youth-related policy
zations on strategies to address urban youth formulation;
unemployment. Expansion and strengthen- n Building the capacities of governments
ing of social services in the context of urban at all levels, non-governmental and civil
renewal initiatives should give high priority society organizations and private sector
to establishing formal partnerships with civil entities to ensure a better response to
society organizations, including local groups the needs and issues of young people;
as well as national and international NGOs, n Supporting the development of inter-
with a conscious focus on employing young est-based information and communica-
people. tion-oriented networks;
n Piloting and demonstration of new and
Informal Sector Expansion innovative approaches to employment,
good governance, adequate shelter and
Outside of agricultural activities, the bulk of
secure tenure;
informal sector employment is in urban or
n Sharing and exchange of information
semi-urban settlements, characterized by low
on best practices;
productivity, inadequate incomes and poor
n Facilitating vocational training and
or even exploitative working conditions. This
credit mechanisms to promote en-
sector however, provides an easily exploitable
trepreneurship and employment for
opportunity for employment and sustained
young people, in collaboration with
livelihoods, for skilled and unskilled labour
the private sector and in cooperation
alike. Strategies to promote the informal
with other United Nations bodies and
sector have tended to focus on improving
stakeholders;
access to credit, technical and business train-
n Promoting equal opportunities for both
ing, improved infrastructure, and marketing
young men and women in all activities
skills. Demand-sided issues need to be fur-
of urban youth development.
ther examined, including linkages between
the formal and informal economies, where
the formal private sector can gain from fos-
tering the growth of new business that sup-
ply their production needs.26
1

19. Section 5
Resources
Supporting Youth Entrepreneurship viating poverty and HIV/AIDS. One of the
programmes, ‘African Young Entrepreneurs’,
The following are both existing initiatives
is intent on increasing the entrepreneurial
and long-term strategies which are promis-
capabilities of young people in Africa by
ing an increased focus on youth employ-
providing them with knowledge and practi-
ment and the institutionalization of youth
cal skills that would assist them in becoming
entrepreneurship
self-reliant.
Youth Business International, an initiative
KIVA
of International Business Leaders Forum
(www.youth-business.org) (www.kiva.org) KIVA lets the public con-
nect with, and invest in outstanding entre-
Youth Business International is an interna-
preneurs from impoverished communities
tional network of programmes helping dis-
worldwide. By choosing a business on KIVA.
advantaged young people.
org, one can “sponsor a business” and help
International Youth Foundation workers in developing nations make great
(www.iyfnet.org) strides towards economic independence. As
the particular business starts profiting, the
The International Youth Foundation works
sponsor gets his or her loan repaid.
in some 70 countries to improve the condi-
tions and prospects for young people. Es- The Seed Initiative (Supporting Entrepre-
tablished in 1990, it works with hundreds neurs in Environment and Development)
of companies, foundations, and civil society
(www.seedinit.org) The Seed Initiative aims
organizations to give youth better prospects
to inspire, support and build the capacity of
by promoting education, employability,
locally driven entrepreneurial partnerships
leadership, and health education.
to contribute to the delivery of the Millen-
Empowering Africa Program nium Development Goals. The initiative
(www.a/esec.org) focuses on ‘business as unusual’ - innova-
tive action delivering real solutions through
Empowering Africa Program is a continent-
project cooperation among small and large
wide network initiative geared towards alle-
businesses, local and international NGOs,
0

20. women’s groups, labour organizations, pub- principles that, when adhered to, will help
lic authorities and UN agencies, and others provide decent work for young people.
working in the field of sustainable devel-
opment. The annual Seed Awards are an The Youth Employment Summit (YES)
international competition to find the most Campaign
promising new entrepreneurial or innova- (www.yesweb.org)
tive, locally driven partnerships for sustain- The YES Campaign brings together di-
able development. verse stakeholders, and works with them to
develop the capacity of youth to lead em-
The Youth Employment Network
ployment initiatives, to promote youth em-
(www.ilo.org/yen)
ployment to address key development chal-
The Secretary General’s Youth Employment lenges, and to build in-country coalitions to
Network was established to act as a vehicle develop national strategies addressing youth
to address the global challenge of youth em- unemployment. The YES Campaign and the
ployment. As a joint initiative of the United UN Industrial Development Organization
Nations, World Bank and International have also explored ways to promote youth
Labour Organization, the Network views employment and entrepreneurship through
young people as partners in devising solu- renewable energy technologies and value-
tions to a common problem and seeks to added agro-business.
support their aspirations rather than impose
perceived ‘needs’ upon them. The four top TakinglTGIobal
priorities for all national action plans are: (www.takingitglobal.org)
employability, equal opportunities between TakinglTGIobal.org serves as the most
young men and women, entrepreneurship, popular online community for young peo-
and employment creation. ple interested in connecting across cultures
and making a difference. They work with
The International Labour Organization’s
global partners- from UN agencies, to major
Youth Employment Team
companies, and especially youth organiza-
(www.ilo.org/public/english/employment/
tions - to build the capacity of youth for de-
strat/yen/network/index.htm)
velopment, artistic and media expression, to
The International Labour Organization’s make education more engaging, and to in-
Youth Employment Team was established to volve young people in global decision-mak-
strengthen its technical activities and policy ing. TakinglTGlobal houses a business and
messages on youth employment within the entrepreneurship initiative called YouthBiz,
context of the International Labour Organi- and regularly hosts global entrepreneurship
zation’s Global Employment Agenda. The conferences and workshops.
ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles
and Rights at Work provides a basic set of
1

21. Commonwealth Youth Credit Initiative Street Kids International
(www.thecommonwealth.org)
(www.streetkids.org) SKI conducts training
The Commonwealth Youth Credit Initia- in over 20 countries to help young people
tive helps young business people assess their development new skills. A new initiative
credit needs, develop their entrepreneurial called the Street Banking Toolkit, builds on
capabilities, and it provides loans. lessons from Street Kids International’s oth-
er business programmes, and provides youth
with skills to save and manage loans.
A number of overall strategies for UN-HABITAT’s work with youth were captured
during Young Entrepreneurs’ Day.
From the youth themselves, the top suggestions were:
Increased resources for youth entrepreneurs
Directly reaching out to youth
Facilitating youth tenders for suppliers
Involving youth in forum’s and event’s organization
Lobbying for youth in informal sector
Increased programming in games and sports
Promoting best practices
Setting up an autonomous body to manage the youth fund
Having more forums like the YED
Protecting markets and fighting dumping
Working on slum youth challenge awards
Facilitating dialogue with municipalities and functional centres
Creating dialogue between youth and investors
Securing neighbourhoods
Allowing for fair wages
Encouraging a market focus from governments
Enabling access to policy makers
Keeping adolescent girls in schools

22. UN-HABITAT YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS’
PRESENTERS LIST
1. Emilie Shuuya Namibia
2. Chifundo Mikaya Malawi
3. Ndanga Levy Michel Shirishize Burundi
4. Juliet Nakibuule Uganda
5. Olafyinfoluwa Oluwatosin Taiwo Nigeria
6. Reuben Mtitu Tanzania
7. Patrick Dueme Saf Democratic Republic of Congo
8. Claire Tembo Zambia
9. Ogunbanke Aduragbemi Nigeria
10. Adelina Ampilla Tanzania
11. Abenet Abite and Milkias Bonke Ethiopia
12. Albert Nashon Odhoji Kenya
13. Jean-Blaise Adjeklakara Mossus Senegal
14. Ogola Oluoch Japheth Kenya
15. Bella Oden Gervais Marital Cameroon
16. Kwizera Aime Burundi
17. Golden Zikatiwindu Malawi
18. Christine Kyaruzi Tanzania
19. Irene Namuyanja Uganda
20. Liz Ogumbo Kenya

23. UNITED NATIONS HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PROGRAMME
Partners and Youth Section, Monitoring and Research Division (UN-HABITAT)
P.O. Box 30030, 00100 GPO Nairobi, Kenya; Tel: +254 20 7623900; Fax: +254 20 7624588
Email: partners@unhabitat.org; Website: www.unhabitat.org/