Private Sector Development
Future generations can help lift their communities out of poverty if they have access to reliable and fair employment. Helvetas supports job creation and entrepreneurship opportunities for the growing global population.
Why private sector development matters
Poverty eradication is made possible through inclusive employment opportunities. But preparing the global labor force to take on new types of jobs and ensuring supply meets demand is a complex challenge. To keep pace with labor force growth, it is estimated that 470 million new jobs will be needed over the period from 2016–2030.
While agriculture remains the main source of employment in developing countries, rapid urbanization and shifting interests of the next generation has heightened the importance of non-farmbased activities such as manufacturing, construction, tourism, and information technology services. Supporting local private sector development and investing in digital transformation are crucial factors for creating attractive, plentiful and secure earning opportunities for women and men around the world.
Korotimi Kamaté, a vegetable farmer in the San District, southern Mali
Our work
Helvetas’ work in private sector development focuses on inclusive job creation, economic transition and digitalization. We partner with micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and with large organizations to create sustainable income and job opportunities across farm and non-farm sectors. Helvetas supports businesses’ efforts to increase production, productivity, and the quality of products and services, while promoting inclusiveness and gender equity that ensures no one is left behind.
Helvetas also strategically invests in digitalization. Our programs take into consideration the needs and capacities of women and other disadvantaged groups often left behind by efforts to digitize activities, as well as the threats and opportunities digitalization can bring to less developed economies.
Our Expertise
Helvetas focuses on sustainable agriculture, food security, value chain facilitation and inclusive finance. Our multilingual Sustainable and Inclusive Economies team provides advisory services both to Helvetas and external clients.
