Against the complex backdrop of COVID-19 – and because of social distancing regulations, the fear of infection, and the lack of steady revenue – many Yemenis were forced to abandon their businesses of all sizes resulting in many lost jobs, a further devastated economy, and a sense of hopelessness.

To assist during this difficult time, in partnership with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) and the Small and Micro Enterprise Promotion Service (SMEPS), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched the Vocational and Business Skills Training and Support Project. This project assists young entrepreneurs – especially women – to establish businesses, engage them in the labor market, and increase their income.

By developing their business, vocational, technical, and craftsmanship skills, the trained 
entrepreneurs helped create and grow a variety of industries, not only benefitting themselves,
but their communities too. Here are some of their success stories.