The Joint SDG Fund has highlighted how targeted investments in digital skills, vocational training, and entrepreneurship are helping young people build sustainable careers and contribute to economic growth in Kenya, Albania, and Colombia.
The initiative emphasizes that preparing young people for the future requires more than education alone. Governments, businesses, and development partners must create pathways that connect training with employment, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and inclusive economic opportunities.
In Kenya, the Digital Platforms Kenya (DigiKen) programme is expanding digital inclusion through 15 Digital Innovation Hubs across 12 counties. The initiative provides young people and women with practical training in digital technologies, entrepreneurship, media literacy, and artificial intelligence. The programme aims to reach 7,500 participants, while more than 2,600 public sector employees have already enrolled in AI and digital transformation courses to strengthen digital leadership across government.
In Albania, the Lifelong Empowerment and Protection (LEAP) programme is improving access to vocational education and employment. So far, 617 people have completed vocational training, 120 women and young people have secured jobs in sectors including tourism, hospitality, and care services, while hundreds of households have benefited from integrated economic support. The programme combines technical training with digital skills, career guidance, apprenticeships, and partnerships with employers to improve long-term employment prospects.
In Colombia, the Inclusive Digital Transformation Facility (IDTF) is helping young people turn digital connectivity into employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. Supported by the Joint SDG Fund and the European Union, the initiative focuses on digital entrepreneurship, employability, innovation, and civic participation, particularly in underserved regions. Interactive events and entrepreneurship programmes are helping young people develop digital skills while connecting them with business networks and employment opportunities.
The Joint SDG Fund noted that as digital transformation, climate action, and technological innovation continue to reshape global labour markets, young people require coordinated support that links skills development with decent work, business creation, and social protection.
By investing in youth-focused education, digital inclusion, and entrepreneurship, the programme aims to help countries build more resilient economies while empowering young people to drive sustainable development and create long-term opportunities within their communities.
