USAID PARTNERS WITH BRIGHTERMONDAY KENYA TO LAUNCH THE E-BIZ KWA VIJANA (E-COMMERCE FOR YOUTH) PROJECT TO EQUIP YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS TO EXPAND MARKET OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH ONLINE TRADING
Nairobi, Kenya, August 1, 2023 – U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and BrighterMonday Kenya, through the eTrade Alliance, today launched the e-Biz Kwa Vijana Commerce Project. This unique initiative aims to equip young entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and knowledge to expand their market opportunities through online trading. BrighterMonday Kenya, the leading talent matching platform in Kenya will also oversee the implementation of the e-Biz Kwa Vijana (e-Commerce for Youth) project, along with the eTrade Alliance implementing partners Nextrade Group and Palladium.
The e-Biz Kwa Vijana project is set to revolutionize the entrepreneurial landscape in Kenya by empowering and enabling the youth to thrive in the digital era. With a vision to create a sustainable ecosystem for online trading, the project has outlined three key objectives:
- Training: Under the e-Biz Kwa Vijana project, BrighterMonday will train 1,000 entrepreneurs, aged 18 to 35 years, to leverage digital platforms and marketplaces. Equipping the young entrepreneurs will improve their livelihoods and incomes while increasing their chances of creating productive and sustainable job opportunities.
- Enrollment: In parallel with the training efforts, the e-Biz Kwa Vijana project will onboard at least 600 entrepreneurs and MSMEs onto prominent e-commerce platforms and marketplaces. This partnership between USAID, the eTrade Alliance and BrighterMonday mirrors USAID’s focus on economic growth and trade, which seeks to improve access to affordable financing and create a conducive business environment for entrepreneurs and businesses in Kenya.
- Stakeholder Engagement: By fostering partnerships with key stakeholders in the ecommerce landscape, the project aims to drive sector-wide growth and establish an ecosystem that supports and nurtures online entrepreneurship and creates productive jobs for the youth. Through joint efforts, stakeholders will work together to overcome challenges, share best practices, and create an enabling environment for the e-commerce sector.
“USAID is proud to partner with BrighterMonday Kenya to implement the eBiz Kwa Vijana project to support Kenya’s young MSMEs, rural and women entrepreneurs, and people with disabilities with business opportunities through e-commerce, and in growing Kenya’s digital economy,” said the USAID Mission Director David Gosney during the launch.
“This program represents our commitment to bridging the talent gap in Africa and unlocking opportunities for economic empowerment. By embracing technology, entrepreneurs can unlock new avenues for growth and expand their reach beyond traditional boundaries. We are excited to see the transformative journey the beneficiaries will experience as they learn how to connect, engage, and succeed in their businesses.” Chris Otundo, CEO of BrighterMonday Kenya.
“Ecommerce is a critical means for small businesses and young entrepreneurs to grow and thrive, the core objective of the eTrade Alliance programs. We are delighted to partner with BrighterMonday, with foundational support from USAID, in launching the eBiz Kwa Vijana project in Kenya and delivering on the Alliance’s goals.” Michael Poor, Nextrade Group – Sr. Manager, eTrade Alliance Africa programs.
To learn more about the e-Biz Kwa Vijana project and BrighterMonday Kenya, please visit https://www.brightermonday.co.ke/e-biz-kwa-vijana
