The Tunisian government has launched a project to support youth initiatives in the Zaghouan region. The "IRADA for Youth" project, implemented in partnership with the European Union, aims to promote youth entrepreneurship and job creation. The project was initiated in 2022 and has already made significant progress. According to Bsimia Omri, head of the regional development department in Zaghouan, the project has selected eight projects in its first phase.

The second phase of the project is currently underway, with 56 applicants competing for funding. Thirty-five candidates have been shortlisted to undergo training and mentoring, which is being provided in partnership with the Business Center. The training program consists of six in-person sessions and four online sessions, led by an expert from the General Directorate of Regional Development. The program aims to equip young entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to develop successful businesses.

The "IRADA for Youth" project is designed to support young people in the Zaghouan region who have innovative business ideas. The project provides grants of up to 70,000 dinars to support the implementation of these projects. The grants are non-repayable, meaning that beneficiaries do not have to repay the funds. However, beneficiaries are required to contribute 10% of the grant amount themselves. This approach aims to encourage young entrepreneurs to take ownership of their projects and ensure their sustainability.

The project has made significant progress in promoting youth entrepreneurship in the Zaghouan region. According to Omri, 18 projects are expected to be selected for funding after the completion of the training and mentoring phase. The selected projects will receive grants to support their implementation. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and create new job opportunities for young people in the region.

The "IRADA for Youth" project is part of a broader effort to promote economic development and job creation in Tunisia. The project is being implemented in partnership with the European Union, which is providing financial support. The project aims to support young entrepreneurs in developing their business ideas and creating sustainable businesses. The project also aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.

The training and mentoring program is a critical component of the "IRADA for Youth" project. The program aims to equip young entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to develop successful businesses. The program is being provided by an expert from the General Directorate of Regional Development, who has extensive experience in entrepreneurship and business development.

The "IRADA for Youth" project is expected to have a positive impact on the Zaghouan region. The project aims to promote economic development and job creation, and provide young people with opportunities to develop their business ideas. The project's focus on grants rather than loans is also expected to encourage young entrepreneurs to take risks and pursue their business ideas.

Key points

  • The "IRADA for Youth" project is providing grants of up to 70,000 dinars to support youth projects in the Zaghouan region.
  • The project aims to promote youth entrepreneurship and job creation in the region.
  • The project is being implemented in partnership with the European Union.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.