Economic Inclusion

Improving the economic well-being of women and men, particularly youth

The issue of economic exclusion is a stark one: The number of unemployed youth globally is estimated at 71 million, with many regions recording a youth unemployment rate twice as high as adults and leading to many 15 to 24-year olds to fall into the category of “working poor”.

Over 40 percent of women remain outside of the formal financial system. Economic inclusion therefore targets support for and the creation of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as the promotion of entrepreneurship and training in the skills that employers need. It also includes efforts, such as savings groups, that bring women into the financial system. And because SMEs generate 50 percent of employment worldwide, the Aga Khan Foundation also helps build the conditions for SMEs to thrive, including the provision of electricity, market system development and other necessary infrastructure.

“There are those […] who enter the world in such poverty that they are deprived of both the means and the motivation to improve their lot. Unless [they] can be touched with the spark which ignites the spirit of individual enterprise and determination, they will only sink back into renewed apathy, degradation and despair. It is for us, who are more fortunate, to provide that spark.”

His Highness the Aga Khan

Our Economic Inclusion programmes work towards these UN Sustainable Development Goals:

Our goals

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Increased employment and self-employment

Through training, skills workshops and connecting people to businesses

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Increased productivity and income

For producers and businesses to enhance self-reliance

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Increased access to renewable energy

To enable more efficient working practices, freeing up time and energy

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Enhanced access to financial products

That are affordable and useful and enable economic growth

Our impact

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THOUSAND
members of community-based savings groups worldwide to date
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THOUSAND
people who have benefitted from AKF’s access to renewable energy interventions in the last two years, mostly from off-grid communities in India, Pakistan, Syria and Tajikistan
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%
of the 9,000 Afghans (mostly women) who have found work after graduating from AKF-supported employment programmes
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THOUSAND
disadvantaged rural youth in India who have accessed AKF-supported job and apprenticeship training programmes (70% secured employment)

Programme spotlight

A new global initiative that is a result of a partnership between AKF and the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), Accelerate Prosperity provides technical expertise, creative financing solutions and market connections for small and growing businesses, and in so doing creates sustainable employment, and strengthens communities.

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Accelerate Prosperity (2018–)

Inspiring rising entrepreneurs in emerging regions.

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