Prosperity

The project aims to build on the experience of the Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI), an initiative of the International Trade Centre, in managing sustainable fashion value chains in Kenya. The initiative involves 2,500 artisans, micro-producers, and design entrepreneurs—mainly women and young people—from marginalized communities across the country, who benefit from specialized training programs. These programs increase their opportunities to collaborate directly with major international fashion value chains, thereby creating dignified job opportunities.

The project also focuses on enhancing environmental sustainability through the promotion of circular design and production, the use of renewable energy sources, organic and/or recycled materials, and the adoption of carbon-insetting processes.

In 2024, the intervention supported the training of 2,000 people, improving skills in macramé, beadwork, and rubber carving, and training specialized operators in sewing, engraving, and logistics. The initiative engaged 24 communities, including the Northern Rangelands Trust Trading (NRTT) with more than 1,600 members, fostering active participation in the production process.

This intervention not only improved technical skills but also strengthened the financial independence and managerial capacities of the communities, enabling them to handle large-scale orders and improve their living conditions.

The initiative supports the consolidation of the E4Impact Accelerator, established in Nairobi in 2019 with the support of AICS, by strengthening its activities and improving its infrastructure. Today, the Center serves a dual function, acting both as an accelerator and an incubator, supporting the creation and growth of local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The initiative aims to accelerate 30 businesses and incubate 10 each year.

The intervention also foresees the establishment of a revolving fund to finance enterprises at the end of their acceleration and incubation period.

A complementary component, managed directly, focuses on the development of an innovative renewable energy center within the St. Kizito Vocational Training Institute. Founded around thirty years ago with funding from Italian Cooperation, the Institute is located about 20 km from Nairobi and has become a national reference point for vocational training, to the extent that it is considered a model by the Kenyan Ministry of Education for the development of technical curricula.

The project contributes to promoting sustainable and inclusive development of the tourism sector that fosters full and productive employment and decent work, with particular attention to youth, women, and vulnerable groups. It will be implemented by Italian civil society organizations (CSOs) selected through a competitive call and in collaboration with local partners.

The main geographic focus of the initiative is the Zanzibar Archipelago (Unguja and Pemba islands), with a component dedicated to creating synergies and exchanges with training institutions in mainland Tanzania. Specific actions aim to strengthen the quality of technical education in the tourism and hospitality sector, including the development of academic curricula, training for teachers, and support for the equipment and infrastructure of training centers.

A key component of the project will be to improve coordination with the private sector through public-private partnership platforms, school-to-work transition schemes, and apprenticeship programs, including circular mobility pathways between Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania, leveraging the strong presence of Italian tourism and hospitality companies based in Zanzibar.

Finally, strengthening the capacity of government authorities in sustainable tourism will promote a more responsible, sustainable, and diversified sector. An inclusive and gender-sensitive approach will ensure that women and young people (15–35 years old), particularly those in vulnerable categories, have access to technical training and employment opportunities.