Building Sustainable Businesses in Conflict Effected Communities

Japan and UNDP jointly support Yemenis in Aden and Lahj to build new, empowering skills to thrive and help ensure more stable incomes.

February 14, 2021

New Yemeni small business owners sign grant agreements. | Photo Credit: UNDP Yemen/2021

Aden, Yemen – With funding from the Government of Japan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) concluded a major project milestone this week when the distribution of 170 financial grants to Yemenis in Aden and Lahj, in southern Yemen. These grants will enable the individuals to establish small businesses and start generating a sustainable income.

Initially, 270 Yemenis were employed through cash-for-work, provided protection services, and trained in business management, including developing proposals and business plans. A local committee then selected 170 of their proposals based upon the sound, robust financial planning, and sustainability with the majority being women and youth affected by the conflict. Selected individuals were provided US$ 600 seed grants to purchase equipment, inventory, and supplies to start their business.

“For a long time, it was my dream to own my own business. I was not sure how to start, but with the knowledge I gained through the business training - and with the support of the financial grant - I can now hit the ground running,” says Nada Hassan, a grant recipient.

The selected businesses cover a range of service sectors, including air conditioner maintenance, computer networking, electrical maintenance, home appliance maintenance, video editing and photography, metalwork, mechanics, beauty, baking, cake decorating, and animal care.

Each participant will have a business mentor who will help them on their journey to maintaining successful businesses.

These activities target the conflict effected communities of Crater and Attawahi districts in Aden and Tuban in Lahj and are implemented as a part of UNDP’s Livelihoods and Human Security (YLHS) project with support from For All Foundation (FAF). In total, 1,890 people will benefit directly and indirectly from small business grants, improved access to schools and healthcare centres, and the provision of protection services.

With funding from the Government of Japan, the fourth phase of the Yemen Livelihoods and Human Security project was able to target Aden’s and Lahj’s most vulnerable individuals and communities. The key areas of focus include: (a) identification of needs and opportunities for affected communities to return to normal; (b) restoration of disrupted livelihoods for the crisis-affected population; and (c) strengthening of community-based protection mechanisms with a focus on women and youth.

For more information, please contact:

  • Leanne Rios: Team Lead, Advocacy and Communications (Leanne.Rios@undp.org)