Entrepreneurship and Innovation Development for Fragility Reduction (EIFR) Project

Background

The EIFR Project aims to enhance institutional strengthening for entrepreneurship and innovation development for job creation in Djibouti, South Sudan, and Sudan. It brings together learning institutions (University and TVET), the private sector and the government to; (i) strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation at institutional, national and regional levels; and (ii) stimulate employment opportunities for youth by supporting and promoting the establishment of start-ups led by young entrepreneurs.

The specific objectives are to;

  1. Build institutional capacity for entrepreneurship and innovation at institutional, national, and regional levels.
  2. Create employment opportunities for youth by supporting and promoting youth-led start-ups, with a focus on the livestock and agricultural value chains.

Project Components

  1. Institutional Capacity Building – Strengthening entrepreneurship and innovation in higher education and beyond.
  2. National Youth Entrepreneurship & Innovation Challenge – Supporting youth-driven business initiatives.
  3. Project Management & Monitoring – Overseeing implementation, communication, and evaluation.

Funding and Duration

  • Funding: African Development Bank (AfDB)
  • Budget: USD 3.2 million
  • Timeline: August 2023 – December 2025

Beneficiaries

The project will directly support:

  • Three universities – University of Khartoum, University of Juba, and University of Djibouti.
  • 1,500 stakeholders (50% female)– Enhancing their skills in entrepreneurship and innovation development
  • 60 youth-led start-ups (120 young entrepreneurs) – Providing training, incubation and seed funding to launch and grow businesses.

Through this initiative, EIFR seeks to empower young entrepreneurs, drive innovation, and contribute to economic resilience in fragile regions.

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Contact:

Kennedy Mayende

EIDFR Project Coordinator

IGAD Centre for Pastoral Areas and Livestock Development

Tel: +254 737 777742

Mobile: +254 704 655 665

Email: [email protected]

Kabete Vetlabs, Kapenguria Road, Off Waiyaki Way,

P.O. Box 47824-00100, Nairobi, Kenya